Imran Shah
Kishtwar, (DD): One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing joint operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the dense Chhatru forest area of Kishtwar district, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The encounter began on April 9 after security forces received specific intelligence about terrorist movement in the region. The joint “search and destroy” operation was immediately launched, with contact established late in the evening.
“In a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence, a joint search and destroy mission was launched with J&K Police on 09 April in the Chhatru forest area. Contact was established with terrorists late evening. One terrorist has been neutralised so far,” the Indian Army said in an official statement.
The Army further added that despite hostile terrain and adverse weather, the operation is continuing.
“Relentless operations by our brave soldiers are underway. The terrain is challenging, but our teams are pursuing the mission with unwavering resolve,” the Army said.
Security sources suggest that more militants may be present in the area, and a combing operation is currently in progress to ensure no further threats remain.
The identity and affiliation of the slain militant are yet to be confirmed. Authorities have cordoned off the surrounding region, and additional reinforcements have been deployed to prevent any escape attempts.
This is the second such counter-insurgency operation in Kishtwar this year, underscoring the region’s continued strategic significance in curbing cross-mountain infiltration routes-(DD)