Encounter in Kishtwar, J&K
INDIAN DEFENCE
Fierce Gunbattle Erupts in Kishtwar: Security Forces Engage Militants in Dense Forest Zone
A major encounter unfolded in the Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in anti-terror operations in the region. Acting on intelligence inputs, security forces launched coordinated search operations in the dense Khankoo forest and Dachhan areas, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire with suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants.
The operation began in the early hours, when joint teams of the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police began combing suspected hideouts. As personnel approached a densely wooded area in Khankoo, militants opened fire, initiating a prolonged gunfight. In a parallel operation in nearby Dachhan, security forces cordoned off the area after spotting suspicious movement. Three militants were confirmed to be trapped in the rugged terrain, setting the stage for a two-front engagement.
This marks a resurgence of militant activity in the Chenab Valley, a region that had remained largely peaceful in recent years. Security experts believe that recent infiltration attempts and sleeper cell activations are part of a broader strategy to spread militancy beyond Kashmir Valley. The terrain of Kishtwar—with its steep hills and forest cover—offers militants strategic hideouts, making operations particularly challenging.
Throughout the day, intense firing continued intermittently, with the forces using drones and thermal imaging to track down the militants’ positions. Locals were advised to stay indoors as a precautionary measure. Reinforcements were flown in via helicopter to seal off escape routes and ensure containment. Reports suggest that one militant may have been neutralized, although official confirmation is awaited pending recovery of the body.
This encounter comes at a time of heightened alert ahead of Independence Day, when security forces intensify their counter-terror operations to prevent high-profile attacks. The recovery of weapons and surveillance equipment from earlier operations indicates that militants were planning something significant. An AK-series rifle, grenades, and communication devices were reportedly recovered near one of the encounter sites.
The Union Home Ministry and top Army brass are said to be closely monitoring the situation. DGP R.R. Swain stated that the forces remain committed to flushing out every last militant from the area and that such operations will continue with “full force and coordination.” Intelligence reports had warned of renewed infiltration through the Pir Panjal route, and this operation is seen as a response to that very threat.
Civilians in the region have expressed a mix of concern and support. Many are fearful of militant reprisals, yet remain cooperative with security agencies. Local village heads have urged the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious movement. Schools and government offices in the vicinity have been temporarily shut as a safety measure.
The outcome of this encounter will likely have wider implications on counter-terrorism strategy in Jammu’s hinterlands. As security forces maintain a firm grip on the Kashmir Valley, terrorists appear to be shifting focus to less monitored areas like Kishtwar. The success or failure of this operation could redefine the tactical landscape of anti-insurgency efforts in the region.
