Early Morning Gunfight in Singhpora, Chatroo Region
A fierce encounter broke out early Thursday morning between security forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chatroo, situated in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, according to police sources.
The joint operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and paramilitary forces based on specific intelligence inputs pointing to terrorist movement in the dense forest region.
JeM Militants Believed to Be Trapped
Authorities believe that three to four terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are trapped in the area. According to sources, the militants are likely the same group that evaded capture in a recent encounter nearby.
Jaish-e-Mohammed, designated as a terrorist organization by India, the United Nations, the United States, and several other countries, is known for orchestrating major attacks across Jammu and Kashmir, including those targeting security forces and civilians.
Intelligence-Based Operation Launched
Security officials confirmed that the operation was initiated following “precise” local intelligence, which helped in tracking the movement of the suspected militants.
Specialized units were deployed to cordon off escape routes, and heavy firing was reported from both sides as security personnel moved in.
Context: Pahalgam Attack and Rising Tensions
The encounter follows the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians lost their lives, sparking national outrage. That deadly incident prompted the Indian armed forces to carry out targeted strikes on terror infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Following the strikes, tensions between India and Pakistan surged, although a temporary pause on military operations was later announced to de-escalate the situation.
Current Status of the Operation
As of the latest update, intermittent exchange of gunfire is ongoing, and reinforcements have been rushed to the site. Authorities have sealed off the surrounding villages and urged locals to stay indoors until the situation is brought under control.
Security forces are exercising extreme caution as they suspect the terrorists may be equipped with heavy arms and may have laid IEDs or booby traps in the area.
Background: Terror Activity in Kishtwar Region
Kishtwar, once relatively quiet, has seen a spike in terror-related incidents in recent years, especially with the regrouping of militants and infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC). Officials believe foreign fighters are increasingly trying to exploit forested areas to hide and regroup.
The security establishment has intensified cordon-and-search operations (CASO) across south Kashmir and the Jammu region to pre-empt any major terrorist activities.
Leslie Rajan