J&K Operations: One Terrorist Killed in Kishtwar, Two Neutralised in Udhampur

Jammu – Security forces eliminated three terrorists in two separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, with one militant killed in Kishtwar district and two others in Udhampur district, officials said.

The Army stated that contact was re-established around 5:45 p.m. with terrorists who were on the run during the ongoing joint Operation Trashi-I in the Dichhar area of Kishtwar. The operation is being carried out by the Army’s Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta unit in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

According to the Army, one terrorist was neutralised during the operation, which is still underway. Counter-terror activities in Kishtwar intensified following a January 18 encounter in which an Army paratrooper was martyred. Officials said the search operations in the region have resulted in multiple engagements with militants hiding in dense forests and difficult terrain.

Earlier in the day, two terrorists were killed during a separate anti-terror operation in the Basantgarh forest area of Udhampur district. The operation was launched after security forces received credible intelligence about the presence of militants in the region.

Joint forces had moved into the area on Tuesday evening after militants reportedly opened fire from a cave identified using drone surveillance. Officials said the forces responded cautiously, tightening the cordon around the site to prevent the militants from escaping through the forested terrain.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) played a significant role in confirming the militants’ location inside the cave, enabling the forces to plan the operation while minimising risks. Security personnel are continuing the search operation amid concerns that more militants could be hiding in the area.

Authorities have advised residents of nearby villages to remain indoors as a precaution until the operation is completed.

Security agencies have expressed concern over the increasing presence of militants in the hilly districts of Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda in the Jammu division.

During a security review meeting on January 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed forces to eliminate militants, many of whom are believed to be Pakistani nationals, while maintaining strict vigil to prevent cross-border infiltration.

Shah is scheduled to begin a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on February 5, during which he will visit the international border and chair a high-level security review meeting in Jammu.

With inputs from IANS