Encounter underway in Kishtwar as security forces engage Jaish terrorists, eight soldiers injured

Jammu: An intense encounter is underway between Indian security forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. Heavy exchange of fire has been reported from the area as security forces tighten the cordon around the hiding militants.

According to sources, three terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit are believed to be holed up in the area. Security forces have surrounded the location and launched a sustained counter-terror operation to neutralise the militants.

During the ongoing encounter, terrorists reportedly lobbed grenades at the advancing troops, resulting in injuries to at least eight soldiers. The injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the encounter site and shifted to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Officials said the condition of the injured soldiers is stable, though their injuries range from minor to moderate.

The operation is being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies. The encounter began after security forces launched a search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in a general area located northeast of Chatroo in Kishtwar district.

As the search teams closed in on the suspected hideout, the terrorists opened fire, prompting the security forces to retaliate, leading to a prolonged gunfight. Sources said the exchange of fire continued for several hours, with intermittent firing and explosions heard from the area.

The situation escalated further when the terrorists resorted to grenade attacks in an attempt to break the cordon and escape. However, security forces have maintained tight control over the area, preventing any breach.

It has been confirmed that the group includes two to three foreign terrorists associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad, a Pakistan-based terror organisation responsible for several major attacks in the region in the past.

In view of the seriousness of the operation, additional security forces have been rushed to the encounter site to strengthen the cordon and ensure the terrorists are eliminated.

The entire area has been sealed off as a precautionary measure, and civilian movement has been restricted to avoid any collateral damage. Security agencies are exercising extreme caution, given the rugged terrain and the possibility of improvised explosive devices or further grenade attacks by the militants.

Senior police and army officials are closely monitoring the situation, and reinforcements have been deployed to ensure the operation reaches its logical conclusion. Officials reiterated that the security forces are determined to neutralise the terrorists and prevent any threat to civilian life. Further details are awaited as the operation is still in progress.

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