A fierce encounter broke out on Wednesday evening between security forces and terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, just as preparations were underway for the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims tobegin their trek to the holy cave shrine.
At least two to three Pakistani terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) terror group, are reportedly trapped in the ongoing operation, codenamed “Op CHAS.” According to the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of terrorists in the Kanzal Mandu area of Kishtwar. Contact was established with the terrorists, leading to an exchange of fire.
“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,” the White Knight Corps stated in a post on X.
The encounter site, located in a forest area, has been cordoned off by security forces to prevent the terrorists’ escape. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to support the ongoing operation, which aims to neutralise the threat.
The operation is described as challenging due to the dense forest terrain, which provides cover for the hiding terrorists.
Preliminary reports suggest that the trapped terrorists may be linked to Jaish-e-Muhammad, a Pakistan-based terror outfit responsible for several attacks in the region.
The local administration has urged residents to stay indoors and remain vigilant.
Last week, a Pakistani terrorist was neutralised by the joint team of security forces on June 26 in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur.
On April 12, three terrorists, including a top commander of Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit, were killed during a four-day-long encounter in the Naidgam area of Chatroo in the Kishtwar district without suffering any collateral damage.