Three terrorists, including a top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander, Saifullah, were believed to have been killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Naidgam area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation, which began in the early hours, marked a significant blow to the terror outfit operating in the region.
While the Army confirmed the elimination of one terrorist during the day, two more were suspected to have been neutralised by evening. However, official confirmation on the identities of all three was still awaited.
Saifullah, known for his involvement in cross-border terror activities and infiltration attempts, was reportedly among those killed. Security forces described his death as a major achievement, given his key role in orchestrating terror movements in the region. A large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was recovered from the site of the encounter.
The operation was a joint effort by the Indian Army, local police, Special Operations Group (SOG) and paramilitary forces. The search mission had been launched after credible inputs suggested movement of a group of heavily armed terrorists in the upper reaches of Naidgam.
Although the terrorists initially evaded capture, a renewed contact early on Friday led to a heavy exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of the three terrorists.
Amid these operations, Pakistan reportedly violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri Battal area of the Akhnoor sector. Indian troops responded to the unprovoked firing, which was suspected to be an attempt to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists. One Indian Army soldier sustained injuries during the exchange.
Meanwhile, another infiltration attempt was thwarted by Indian forces in the Rajouri district. Subedar Kuldeep Chand, a junior commissioned officer from the 9 Punjab regiment, lost his life while leading a counter-infiltration operation in the Keri-Battal area of Sunderbani on the night of 11 April.
The White Knight Corps paid homage to the brave soldier, stating, “GOC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart Sub Kuldeep Chand, who laid down his life while gallantly leading a counter-infiltration operation. His valour and leadership foiled a major terror bid.”
Over the past 19 days, five encounters have taken place across the mountainous terrains of Kathua, Udhampur and Kishtwar, resulting in the deaths of three terrorists. These operations have also seen the martyrdom of four police personnel and injuries to three others, as well as a civilian girl.
Security forces have intensified search operations, especially in the forested areas of Udhampur, where contact was re-established with terrorists in the Jopher-Marta region.
Two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped, prompting a sustained search effort supported by aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs. Night cordons have been implemented to prevent escape.
With the melting of snow in high-altitude meadows, the possibility of increased infiltration has led to heightened surveillance in districts like Bhaderwah, Udhampur, Kishtwar and Kathua.
Troops, backed by drones and helicopters, continue to comb these treacherous terrains to maintain pressure on infiltrators and dismantle any regrouping attempts by terror outfits.
Authorities have also bolstered security along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, with intensified vehicle checks and frisking to ensure public safety during this heightened state of alert.
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