Anti-terror operation intensifies in Kishtwar as security forces continued their search for a group of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in the snowbound Chatroo belt of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Despite harsh weather and deep snow, troops pressed ahead with the mission.
Officials said mobile internet services remain suspended within a six-kilometre radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo. Authorities took the step to prevent terrorists from misusing high-speed data during the ongoing operation.
The operation began on January 18 after intelligence inputs pointed to the presence of three terrorists in the area. A fierce gunfight erupted in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, during which a paratrooper lost his life and seven soldiers suffered injuries.
Although the terrorists escaped by exploiting dense vegetation and difficult terrain, security forces maintained pressure. Heavy snowfall of more than two feet has complicated movement, yet search teams continue to comb the forests and higher reaches.
Subsequent encounters took place at Mali Dana top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25. However, the terrorists again managed to slip deeper into forested zones.
Meanwhile, authorities extended the mobile internet suspension until 11:59 p.m. on January 30. The Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, issued the order under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024.
In addition, security forces launched another search operation in Pajja Morh, Nabana top, and nearby areas of Surankote in Poonch district following reports of suspicious movement. Officials said operations remain ongoing.
