Gunfight Erupts Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir

A gunfight broke out on Thursday between joint security forces and terrorists during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Singhpora, Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials, the operation was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of three to four terrorists in the area. As the security forces tightened the cordon to prevent any escape, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that is currently ongoing.

Officials have identified the militants as belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the encounter via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Contact has been established with terrorists during a joint operation with @JmuKmrPolice at Chhatru, Kishtwar this morning. Additional troops have been inducted, and operations are underway to neutralize the terrorists.” The operation has been codenamed ‘Op Trashi’.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers since April 22, when Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants carried out a brutal attack in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. In that incident, 26 civilians—including 25 tourists and a local resident—were killed after being segregated based on their religion.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage, prompting India to carry out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, targeting locations in Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In retaliation, Pakistan launched heavy mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, primarily targeting civilian areas. The shelling led to the destruction of around 200 homes and shops, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their villages and seek safety elsewhere.

Many displaced border residents have not yet returned to their homes, as security forces continue efforts to clear unexploded shells in the districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara.

A ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs), came into effect on June 12. However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that the ceasefire will hold only if Pakistan refrains from supporting any terrorist activities targeting India. He described the current phase as a “probation period” for Pakistan.