Encounter in J&K's Kishtwar enters day 2 with terrorists still holed up; One soldier killed

A fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists continued for the second consecutive day in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The operation began early Thursday morning when security personnel came into contact with terrorists suspected to be hiding in the region’s dense forest terrain. During the ongoing gunfight, one soldier sustained grievous injuries and later died despite medical efforts.

The joint operation involves the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Additional troops have been deployed to reinforce the ongoing efforts, with the area sealed off to prevent escape and increase search efficiency. Authorities have indicated that up to four terrorists may still be present in the area, making the operation complex due to challenging topography.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat visited the encounter site to assess the situation and review operational strategies. Accompanied by senior police officers including IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti and DIG Shridhar Patil, the DGP held discussions with commanders of the army, police, and paramilitary forces involved in the operation. He praised the personnel for their efforts and emphasized the need to continue with determination.

A massive combing operation is underway to locate and neutralize the terrorists holed up in Singhpora. Senior officers, including the Kishtwar SSP, are present at the site to ensure smooth coordination among all forces engaged in the operation. The joint forces are maintaining containment while conducting careful searches of the dense forested and rugged terrain.

This encounter follows a recent surge in counter-terrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir, including two separate successful actions in Shopian and Tral, where six terrorists were neutralized in the last 48 hours. The increased operations come in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, prompting intensified security measures throughout the region.