Jammu & Kashmir – A fierce Kishtwar encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with intermittent firing continuing as three terrorists of the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit engaged in a gunbattle with security personnel. The militants also lobbed grenades at the security forces during the intense exchange of fire.
The Kishtwar encounter resulted in injuries to eight security personnel, with most of them suffering wounds from grenade blasts. All injured personnel were promptly evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, demonstrating the quick response and evacuation protocols maintained by security forces in such operations.
Operation Trashi-I Sparks Confrontation
According to officials, the Kishtwar encounter started during a cordon and search operation named Operation Trashi-I, conducted by the Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps. The operation was launched in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhoora in the Chatroo area around noon on Sunday.
The security forces initiated the coordinated search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the region. As troops moved to establish a cordon around the suspected area, they came under hostile fire from the concealed terrorists, triggering the Kishtwar encounter.
Professional Response Under Fire
The Army emphasized the exceptional professionalism displayed by troops during the Kishtwar encounter. “Troops displayed exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions. Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies,” an army spokesperson stated.
Additional forces were immediately rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and prevent any escape attempts by the terrorists. The reinforcement strategy reflects the security establishment’s determination to neutralize the threat completely during the Kishtwar encounter.
Pattern of Terror Activities
The Kishtwar encounter is part of a concerning pattern of terrorist activities that have plagued the region over recent months. Multiple encounters have broken out in the area, indicating persistent attempts by Pakistan-backed terror groups to establish a foothold in the mountainous terrain.
On January 8, an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. These successive incidents demonstrate the continuous threat posed by terror outfits operating in the area.
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November Encounter Precedent
In November 2025, another significant Kishtwar encounter occurred in the Chatroo area when terrorists and security personnel clashed after the Jammu and Kashmir Police, assisted by the Indian Army, launched a joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs about terrorist presence.
That coordinated search operation was initiated during the early morning hours, and security forces came under fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire similar to the current Kishtwar encounter. These recurring incidents underscore the persistent security challenges in the mountainous districts.
Strategic Terror Hideouts
The mountainous districts of Kishtwar and Doda in the Jammu region have emerged as significant areas of concern for security forces. An army official revealed last month that approximately 35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in mountain forests across these districts.
The challenging terrain and dense forest cover provide natural concealment for terrorists, making the Kishtwar encounter and similar operations particularly difficult and dangerous for security personnel deployed in the region.
New Counterterror Strategy
In response to the evolving threat, the army has implemented a new counterterror strategy in the region. The innovative approach focuses on intensifying operations in snow-clad higher reaches to curb terror activities, departing from traditional practices.
Unlike conventional methods that involved reducing operational activities during ‘chillai kalan’ (the coldest phase of winter in Kashmiri), the new strategy maintains aggressive operations throughout winter months. This shift aims to deny terrorists safe haven in higher reaches during harsh weather conditions, ensuring the Kishtwar encounter and similar operations continue year-round.
Technology Integration
Modern technology has become crucial in operations like the Kishtwar encounter. Officials confirmed that thermal imaging devices and unmanned aerial systems have proved invaluable for night operations and in terrain where conventional scouting is hazardous.
“This infusion of technology, combined with the army’s deep familiarity with the geography, allows for quick adaptation to evolving ground realities and ensures that no zone remains unmonitored,” an official explained. These technological advantages provide security forces with enhanced capabilities during challenging operations.
Coordination and Intelligence
The Kishtwar encounter demonstrates the importance of close coordination between various security agencies. The operation involved seamless cooperation between the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and civil administration, ensuring a comprehensive response to the terrorist threat.
Intelligence-based operations have become the cornerstone of counterterrorism efforts in the region, with specific inputs guiding search and cordon operations that lead to encounters like the current one in Kishtwar.
Ongoing Operations
As the Kishtwar encounter continues, security forces remain committed to neutralizing the terrorist threat completely. The operation reflects the broader security establishment’s determination to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir through sustained operations, advanced technology deployment, and inter-agency coordination.
The coming hours will be crucial as security forces work to conclude the operation while ensuring minimal casualties and maximum impact against the Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure operating in the region.
