By The Sampadak Express
In a significant success for counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have eliminated three terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit in the snow-covered Naidgam forests of Chatroo in Kishtwar district, officials confirmed on Friday.
The slain terrorists have been identified as JeM commander Saifullah, Farman, and Basha, each of whom carried a bounty of ₹5 lakh on their heads.
Joint Operation by Elite Forces
The multi-agency operation began on April 9 and involved specialized units including the 2, 5, and 9 Para of the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police.”
One terrorist was neutralized in the morning, and two others were gunned down later the same day,” a senior police officer stated.
The encounter unfolded in the dense forests and mountainous terrain of Kishtwar, under challenging weather conditions. Army helicopters were also deployed to trace and prevent the terrorists from escaping.
Arms and Ammunition Recovered
A significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the site of the encounter, strengthening the suspicion of a larger terror plan being foiled.
Top security officials, including Brigadier JVS Rathi, Commander of the 5 Sector Assam Rifles, and DIG Shridhar Patil of the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range, are expected to brief the media about the operation on Saturday at the 5 Assam Rifles headquarters.
Ongoing Anti-Terror Operations Across the Region
Simultaneously, security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in Udhampur and Kishtwar following intelligence inputs suggesting a group of terrorists infiltrated through the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district in recent weeks.
In a disturbing incident, three armed terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammad reportedly entered a house in Basantgarh, Udhampur late Wednesday night. The intruders took food, a mobile phone, clothes, shoes, a bag, and an umbrella before fleeing.
A similar incident was reported earlier on April 3 in the Chore Panjwa-Khabbal area of Majalta block, where two terrorists entered a residence, held a family hostage, and forcibly took supplies before escaping around 10 PM.
These incidents occurred in areas where terrorists were first sighted in Saniyal village, Hiranagar, on March 23, and security forces have been actively tracking their movement since.
Loss in the Line of Duty: Ceasefire Violation in Akhnoor
In a separate incident, the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri Battal sector of Akhnoor, reportedly to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists.
At approximately 9:15 PM on Friday, Pakistani troops opened fire using small arms targeting an Indian forward post under Khour Police Station. The Indian Army retaliated swiftly.
Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire, Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Kuldeep Singh sustained critical bullet injuries. He was airlifted to a nearby garrison hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The Indian Army is expected to issue an official statement on the ceasefire violation and the incident shortly.
These events highlight the ongoing threat posed by cross-border terrorism and the efforts by security forces to maintain peace and neutralize threats in the region. The elimination of high-ranking JeM terrorists is seen as a major blow to terror outfits attempting to destabilize the region. However, the tragic loss of JCO Kuldeep Singh is a somber reminder of the high cost paid by our armed forces in the line of duty.
