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Encounter breaks out between security forces and terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar
Security forces, including police, the Army, and the CRPF, launched a search operation after receiving intelligence about terrorists' presence.
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday.
The gunfight broke out hours after the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims was flagged off from Jammu.
Security forces, including police, the Army, and the CRPF, launched a search operation in the Kuchal area of Chatroo this evening after receiving intelligence about terrorists in the vicinity.
As the security teams conducted their search, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an ongoing gunfight.
“Based on specific intelligence, a joint search operation was underway in Kanzal Mandu, Kishtwar. Contact has been established with the terrorists, and operations are in progress,” Jammu-based White Knight Corps wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Additional reinforcements have been deployed to strengthen the cordon and apprehend the terrorists, PTI quoted officials as saying.
According to initial reports, two to three terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit are believed to be trapped.
Earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from Jammu, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage.
Security tightened on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
In preparation for the official commencement on July 3, security has been tightened along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), with pilgrims set to travel via both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
On April 9, an encounter commenced in the Chhatru forest area following intelligence reports of militant activity. Over the subsequent days, three JeM terrorists were neutralised, and a substantial cache of arms, including AK and M4 rifles, was recovered.
Later on May 22, a joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF was launched in the Singhpora area of Chatroo.
The operation led to a fierce gunfight, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to two others. The areas where the previous gunfights took place were densely forested.
