Lt Gen Pratik Sharma commends troops amid ongoing Kishtwar anti-terror operation

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma , Northern Army Commander, visited Kishtwar district on Saturday to assess the ongoing counter-terrorism operation and operational readiness of troops engaged in a hunt for Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants . The visit comes amid an active firefight in the snowbound Chatroo-Dolgam belt , where three terrorists remain holed up.

A spokesperson for the Northern Command said that Lt Gen Sharma commended the troops and ground commanders for their dedication and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of sustained vigilance in the region.

The operation, code-named Operation Trashi-I , is now in its 14th day . A joint force comprising the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and the CRPF has established a cordon around the suspected hideouts in challenging terrain to prevent militant escape.

Reports indicate that one of the militants may have been injured during Saturday’s encounter. Earlier clashes, beginning January 18 , resulted in the death of a paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers during a fierce gunbattle in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora . Two further encounters on January 22 and January 25 saw militants evade capture in heavily forested areas.

The Jammu & Kashmir Police issued a statement highlighting coordinated action between security forces, emphasizing intelligence-driven measures while ensuring civilian safety. Authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet within a six-kilometre radius of Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo to prevent its misuse, with services expected to be restored once the operation is concluded or after an operational review.

Kishtwar district has witnessed six encounters in the past seven months as security forces target Pakistan-based militants exploiting the rugged terrain. The JeM has established fortified hideouts in the area, storing supplies to withstand harsh winter conditions, highlighting the persistent threat to the region. The district shares borders with Doda and Udhampur , making it a strategic area for counter-terror operations.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid forested and high-altitude areas around the operation zone. Schools and public services in the immediate vicinity have been adjusted to minimize civilian exposure. Security forces are coordinating closely with local administration to safeguard life and property while continuing their pursuit of the militants.

The operation continues under challenging conditions, including heavy snowfall exceeding two feet , underscoring the resilience of security personnel in confronting terrorist threats in Kishtwar.