Security forces restart J&K's Kishtwar hunt for terrorists after night halt

Security forces on Monday resumed a major search operation in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district to track down terrorists believed to be hiding in the area, reports said. The operation was restarted after being halted overnight due to difficult terrain and low visibility.

The operation began on Sunday in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora in the Chatroo belt, where troops came under attack during a search mission. A sudden grenade assault by the hiding terrorists triggered a gunfight, leaving eight soldiers injured, mostly due to splinter wounds.

Officials said the operation was suspended late Sunday night as thick vegetation, steep slopes and darkness hampered movement and visibility. No fresh contact was reported overnight, prompting forces to regroup and resume the search at first light.

Multiple teams of the army, police and paramilitary forces are now combing the area with support from drones and sniffer dogs. A tight security cordon has been established to prevent the terrorists from escaping the forested region.

Officials said two to three terrorists, suspected to be linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, are believed to be trapped in the area. The operation remains ongoing as part of intensified counter-terror measures ahead of Republic Day.