Forces exchange fire with terrorists in J&K
A joint team of security forces, while scouting for a group of Pakistani terrorists, possibly belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist outfit, came under heavy fire while they were climbing the thickly forested area of Chhatroo, Kishtwar, on Sunday.
According to the initial reports, the heavily armed group of terrorists, who were well entrenched inside their safe hideout, lobbed grenades and opened indiscriminate firing on the soldiers. Unconfirmed reports suggested at least eight soldiers received splinter injuries, but by late Sunday evening, there was no official confirmation.
Meanwhile, to trap the terrorists in the same area, additional troops were rushed to the encounter site to plug the gaps and maintain a tighter cordon during the night. During the day, intermittent firing continued inside the forested area. The residents were directed to stay indoors to prevent any collateral damage during the ongoing operation. This is the third major anti-terrorist operation launched by the security forces to flush out the terrorists occupying the heights in the region since January 1, 2026.
Earlier, two encounters were reported in the Kahog and Najote forests in the Billawar area of Kathua district on January 7 and 13. According to the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps of the Indian Army, the ongoing anti-terrorist operation has been labelled “Operation Trashi-I”.
In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said, “The security force came in contact with terrorists in the general area Sonnar, northeast of Chhatroo, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror exercises along with Jammu and Kashmir Police”.
“Troops displayed exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions. Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies,” the Army said.
On December 15, a police officer was killed in action during an encounter with terrorists at Soan village in the Majalta area of Udhampur district, but the terrorists managed to escape, taking advantage of thick foliage and darkness.
In the Kashmir valley, security forces have intensified sanitisation and area domination exercises ahead of Republic Day to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations.
Random frisking of vehicles is being carried out at all major intersections in Srinagar city and elsewhere in the valley to keep a check on any suspicious movement.
Search operations and area domination exercises have also been started around the venues where Republic Day will be celebrated.
