Kishtwar: An exchange of fire erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday morning, police officials confirmed.
“Exchange of fire started between Security Forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Kishtwar,” stated the Jammu and Kashmir Police, adding that further details are awaited as the encounter is ongoing.
This incident comes against the backdrop of a major intensification of counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people including a Nepali national. India’s response has included a robust ground offensive and Operation Sindoor, a cross-border precision strike campaign targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
6 Terrorists Neutralised in Shopian and Tral
Just last week, six terrorists were gunned down in two separate encounters in Kelar (Shopian) and Tral, under coordinated operations by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF.
IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, speaking on May 16, noted:
“There was a review of operational strategies in light of heightened terror activity. Based on this intensified coordination, we launched two successful operations in 48 hours and neutralised six terrorists. Our mission remains the complete dismantling of the terror ecosystem in the Kashmir Valley.”
Victor Force Commander: Civilian Rescue Was Key
Major General Dhananjay Joshi, General Officer Commanding of Victor Force, shared operational details, especially the challenge of safeguarding civilians in densely inhabited areas.
Regarding the Shopian operation, Joshi said:
“On May 13, movement was detected in Kelar. Troops challenged the terrorists, who responded with fire. The team neutralised the threat.”
The second operation, in Tral, posed added complications:
“Terrorists had taken positions in civilian homes. Our priority was rescuing villagers. Despite this, three terrorists were neutralised without civilian harm.”
Operation Sindoor: India’s Strategic Retaliation
India’s sweeping military response under Operation Sindoor has targeted and eliminated nearly 100 terror operatives across Pakistan and PoJK. Among the destroyed facilities:
- Bhawalpur – Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed
- Muridke – Major training base of Lashkar-e-Taiba
Following the strikes, a temporary halt to military action was reached after the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries established communication to avoid escalation.
Conclusion
The fresh encounter in Singhpora, Kishtwar, indicates that India’s security forces remain on high alert, maintaining pressure on both domestic terror networks and their cross-border backers. With anti-terror momentum driven by political resolve and precision operations, the forces aim to root out militant threats and restore normalcy across the region.