Kishtwar (Jammu and Kashmir): The Indian Army has reported the successful neutralization of a terrorist during an exchange of gunfire in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir, as announced by the Army’s White Knight Corps on Friday.
The encounter began as a joint search operation was initiated in the Chhatru area of Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, based on specific intelligence reports. The White Knight Corps provided an update on the operation via a post on X, detailing that the operation, referred to as Op Chhatru, commenced on April 9. Contact was established with the terrorists later that evening.
“The terrorists were effectively engaged, leading to a firefight. As of now, one terrorist has been neutralized. Our courageous soldiers continue their relentless efforts, despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions,” the Army Corps reported.
Earlier, Udhampur SSP, Amod Ashok Nagpure, stated that authorities believed two to three terrorists were hiding in the forest. “This area is highly inaccessible due to steep mountains, a river below, and dense forests. We have received information indicating that two to three terrorists are taking refuge in this jungle, and the search operation is ongoing,” SSP Nagpure informed ANI.
The engagement occurred during a search effort by the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and other security personnel in Jopher village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ramnagar Police Station in Udhampur. The area was cordoned off to prevent any escape by the militants, and security forces are continuing their efforts to eliminate threats and protect civilians in the vicinity.
DIG Ramban, Shridhar Patil, who oversees the Kishtwar and Doda regions, visited the Chhatru area on Thursday to assess the situation. With recent encounters and the melting of snow in high-altitude meadows—often exploited by militants for infiltration—surveillance measures have been intensified in the Bhaderwah area of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Army is also ramping up deployment and surveillance along National Highway 44 (NH-44) to disrupt terrorist logistics and prevent the unauthorized movement of militants and war supplies. Joint Mobile Vehicle Check Posts (MVCPs) have been established at various locations in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, utilizing advanced vehicle scanners, AI-based facial recognition systems, and automatic number plate recognition systems at critical junctions and entry-exit points.
