Gunfight erupts between security forces and terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar

Jammu: A gunfight broke out on Thursday between joint security forces and terrorists during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.

According to officials, based on specific intelligence about the presence of three to four terrorists, security forces initiated a CASO in Singhpora, Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.

“The cordon was tightened to engage the terrorists and to ensure that they are unable to escape. As the joint forces came closer, the hiding terrorists opened fire, triggering an encounter which is now going on. Three to four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are reported to be holed up,” officials said.

Naming the operation as 'Op Trashi', the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army in a post on its X handle said, "Contact has been established with #terrorists during a joint #operation with @JmuKmrPolice at #Chhatru, #Kishtwar today morning. Additional troops have been inducted, and operations are ongoing to neutralize the terrorists."

Joint security forces have intensified operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers in Jammu and Kashmir. This escalation followed the April 22 attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, where Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists targeted tourists based on religion, killing 26 civilians—25 tourists and a local.

The brutal act provoked nationwide outrage, prompting India to carry out precision-guided strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In response, Pakistan launched heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting civilian areas.

Pakistani shelling has devastated 200 homes and shops, forcing hundreds of border residents to flee their villages in search of safety.

Many have yet to return as security forces continue defusing unexploded shells in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts.

India agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations on June 12. However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that the truce would hold only if Pakistan refrains from allowing terrorist activities on its soil, calling this period a probation for Pakistan.

(inputs from IANS)