Gunbattle erupts in J&K’s Kishtwar as Operation Trashi-I enters Day 14
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A fierce gunbattle is underway between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district as Operation Trashi-I entered its 14th day on Saturday.
The encounter began around 5.40 am after security forces zeroed in on hiding terrorists in the Dolgam area following a massive cordon and search operation that has been underway for the past two weeks. The terrorists, including Pakistan-origin Jaish-e-Mohammed commanders Saifullah and Adil, opened fire on the approaching troops, prompting swift retaliation by the forces.
Officials said the firefight is continuing, with reinforcements rushed to the area to tighten the cordon and prevent the terrorists from escaping. At least three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists are believed to be hiding in the region.
Operation Trashi-I was launched on January 18 after coordinated intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the area. The operation involves the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
In a post on X, the Army’s White Knight Corps said contact with terrorists was re-established in the early hours of January 31 during the joint operation in the general area of Dolgam. The post added that intelligence from all sources was coordinated to execute the operation on the ground and that a cordon had been established.
The operation follows an earlier encounter on December 18 in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar in which one Army soldier was killed, and seven others were injured. Since the launch of Operation Trashi-I, one paratrooper has been killed and eight soldiers injured.
Senior Army and police officers are supervising the operation across the rugged terrain, with drones, sniffer dogs, and helicopters deployed. Internet services have been suspended within a six-kilometre radius.