GLOBIVOX

Security Forces Intensify Anti-Terror Operation in Kishtwar

Security forces have stepped up counter-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after re-establishing contact with a group of terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forested terrain. The renewed engagement prompted authorities to tighten the cordon around the suspected area, while additional teams were deployed to prevent any possible escape routes.

According to officials, the operation had initially slowed due to difficult geography and poor visibility, but fresh intelligence inputs helped troops relocate the militants’ movement. Army units, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces are jointly carrying out the mission, using drones and surveillance equipment to scan the rugged slopes and thick vegetation.

Residents in nearby villages were advised to remain indoors as a precautionary measure while the security grid was strengthened. Road movement in certain interior stretches was also temporarily regulated to ensure the smooth movement of forces and equipment. Officials stressed that civilian safety remains a top priority during the operation.

The hilly region of Kishtwar has witnessed periodic militant activity in the past, largely due to its challenging terrain that offers natural cover. Security agencies have in recent months increased patrolling and intelligence-led operations in such vulnerable pockets to curb infiltration and dismantle terror networks.

Sources said intermittent firing was reported after contact was re-established, suggesting that the terrorists are attempting to evade capture by shifting positions. Search parties continue to comb surrounding forest belts and ridgelines, while night surveillance has been enhanced to maintain pressure on the hiding group.

Authorities have not yet released details about casualties or recoveries, noting that the operation is still in progress. Updates are expected once the situation becomes clearer and the mission concludes.

Renewed Counter-Terror Drive Unfolds in Kishtwar’s Remote Hills

Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have launched an intensified counter-terrorism operation in the rugged highlands of Kishtwar district after re-establishing contact with a group of armed militants believed to be hiding in the region. The renewed engagement marks a critical phase in an ongoing mission that has drawn in multiple security formations, supported by advanced surveillance tools and ground intelligence networks.

Officials familiar with the operation said the initial breakthrough came after fresh inputs indicated movement inside a heavily wooded belt far from major habitations. Acting swiftly, joint teams of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces repositioned themselves to close in on the suspected hideout. A tight multi-layered cordon has since been established to prevent the militants from slipping through natural escape routes such as mountain passes, ravines, and forest trails.

How the Operation Was Reignited

The encounter zone had remained quiet for a short period after an earlier exchange of fire, largely due to fading light and challenging weather conditions. However, overnight reconnaissance and analysis of thermal imagery reportedly helped troops relocate possible terrorist movement.

Key developments that led to renewed contact include:

• Fresh intelligence alerts from local networks and technical surveillance.

• Drone and thermal camera deployment to scan dense foliage and steep slopes.

• Reinforcement of ground troops at strategic vantage points.

• Creation of outer security rings to seal off wider forest tracts.

Once movement was confirmed, forward units cautiously advanced, leading to a fresh round of gunfire as militants attempted to reposition themselves deeper into the hills.

Joint Forces Coordinate on Multiple Fronts

The scale of the operation underscores the level of coordination among security agencies operating in the region. Army columns trained in mountain warfare are handling the inner cordon, while police units and paramilitary personnel are manning outer layers, controlling access roads, and assisting with logistics.

Senior officers are monitoring the situation from a forward command post, ensuring that real-time inputs from aerial surveillance and ground scouts are rapidly shared. Communication teams have also been deployed to maintain uninterrupted links between units operating across ridgelines and forest corridors.

Authorities emphasised that the focus remains on neutralising the militants while minimising risk to civilians and to the forces involved.

Safety Measures for Nearby Villages

As a precaution, residents in settlements close to the operation zone have been advised to avoid forest routes and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Local administrations have temporarily regulated vehicular movement along certain interior roads to facilitate the movement of security convoys and emergency services.

Village heads and community volunteers are reportedly coordinating with officials to ensure that no civilians inadvertently stray into restricted areas. Medical teams and ambulances have also been kept on standby in nearby towns in case of emergencies.

Why Kishtwar Remains Strategically Sensitive

Kishtwar’s vast forest cover, high-altitude ridges, and sparse population make it a challenging landscape for counter-insurgency operations. Over the years, militants have occasionally attempted to use such terrain as temporary shelters or transit routes between valleys.

Security planners believe that sustained pressure and intelligence-driven operations are essential to deny armed groups the ability to regroup or establish safe havens in these remote pockets. Recent months have seen an increase in patrols, ambush parties along mountain tracks, and targeted searches based on intercepted communications.

Terrain and Weather Add to Complexity

The operation is unfolding in conditions that test both manpower and machinery. Steep gradients restrict the movement of vehicles, forcing troops to proceed on foot while carrying specialised equipment. Thick undergrowth limits visibility, while shifting weather patterns can rapidly alter the tactical situation.

To overcome these obstacles, forces are relying on:

• Lightweight high-altitude gearfor prolonged deployments.

• Portable communication systemsto stay connected across difficult terrain.

• Night-vision devices and thermal sensorsfor after-dark surveillance.

• Local guides and terrain expertsfamiliar with mountain pathways.

Such measures are aimed at sustaining pressure around the clock, preventing militants from exploiting darkness or bad weather to escape.

Search Operations Continue Without Official Casualty Figures

Despite intermittent exchanges of fire, authorities have refrained from releasing details about casualties or recoveries, stating that the mission remains active and fluid. Officials typically wait until operations conclude before confirming numbers to avoid misinformation and to protect tactical sensitivities.

Security sources indicated that the militants appear to be attempting to break the cordon by shifting positions within the forest, prompting troops to adjust their formations and expand the search radius.

Broader Implications for Regional Security

The renewed encounter in Kishtwar forms part of a broader effort by security agencies to maintain pressure on militant networks across Jammu and Kashmir. Analysts note that such sustained operations, backed by intelligence collection and local cooperation, are aimed at preventing the re-emergence of organised armed cells in less-populated districts.

Authorities have reiterated that counter-terrorism efforts will continue across vulnerable corridors, with an emphasis on swift response to credible information and coordination among all security stakeholders.

What to Expect Next

Officials said further updates will be shared once the operation reaches a conclusion or significant developments occur on the ground. For now, forces remain deployed across the forested heights, scanning ravines and ridges while tightening their grip around the suspected militant hideout.

Key Points at a Glance:

• Joint security forces re-established contact with militants in Kishtwar.

• Multi-layered cordons have sealed forest and mountain routes.

• Drones, thermal cameras, and night-vision gear are in active use.

• Civilian safety measures and road regulations are in place.

• No official casualty figures released as the operation continues.

• Authorities stress sustained pressure to prevent militant regrouping.

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