An encounter between security personnel and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district continued for a second day on Friday, claiming the life of an Indian Army jawan.
The White Knight Corps, in a statement posted on X, confirmed the casualty, stating, “During the ongoing operation, fierce gunfight is continuing. One of our Brave hearts sustained grievous injuries in the exchange of fire and has succumbed despite best medical efforts. Operation is in progress.”
The firefight began in the early hours of Wednesday after troops made contact with the terrorists holed up in the area. Officials said the operation is still under way, with additional forces deployed to reinforce the security grid and ensure containment.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed the development, noting in a brief statement: “Exchange of fire started between Security Forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chhatru in Kishtwar.”
The area has been cordoned off, and search operations intensified. Army officials added that containment protocols are being strictly observed and reinforcements have arrived to aid the counter-terror effort.
Also read: Soldier martyred in terrorist encounter in J&K's Kishtwar
As of now, authorities have not disclosed the number of terrorists involved or whether any have been neutralised.
The ongoing encounter follows a series of intensified counter-insurgency operations in the Valley. On May 16, six terrorists were killed in two separate operations conducted by the Indian Army in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Inspector General of Police for Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, had remarked, “In the wake of heightened terror activities in Kashmir Valley, all the security forces deployed here reviewed their strategies. Following this review, there was an intensified focus on operations. On the basis of this intensified focus and coordination, we conducted two successful operations in the last 48 hours during which we had significant achievement.”
He added that the operations, conducted in Kelar, Shopian and Tral areas, “resulted in the neutralisation of a total of six terrorists. We are committed to finish the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley.”
These developments come in the backdrop of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this month, which claimed 26 lives, including that of a Nepali national. The incident prompted security agencies to recalibrate their operations and increase vigil across the Union territory.
Further updates on the situation in Kishtwar are awaited.
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