Security forces killed three militants affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Sunday. The operation took place in the challenging terrain of the Passerkut area in the Chatroo belt, where the militants were hiding in a mud house that caught fire amid the exchange of fire.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, acting on credible intelligence inputs from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Intelligence Bureau, and military sources, a joint operation codenamed “Trashi-I” was launched to track and neutralise terrorists active in the region. Troops from the Counter-Intelligence Force Delta, in coordination with police and the Central Reserve Police Force, re-engaged the militants around 11 am after establishing contact earlier. The militants opened fire on approaching search parties from their hideout on the foothills, triggering an intense gunbattle. The structure was gutted in the firefight, and the charred bodies of the three militants were recovered from the site.
Two AK-47 rifles and ammunition were seized from the location. Preliminary assessments indicate that one of the slain militants is Saifullah, a JeM commander believed to have infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir nearly five years ago. Officials suspect him of orchestrating multiple attacks on security forces, including a July 2024 assault that resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. He had evaded capture in previous encounters. The other two militants are thought to be Pakistani nationals, with efforts ongoing to confirm identities through forensic examination of the charred remains.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps stated that the operation unfolded in difficult terrain and weather conditions. Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma commended the troops for their persistence. “The Army Commander commends the commanders and troops on ground for their persistence in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Northern Command remains committed to ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement said. In a follow-up message, the Army added, “The hunt continues — those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary.”
Kishtwar district, located in the Chenab region of Jammu and Kashmir, has seen heightened militant activity in recent months. The Chatroo forest belt has recorded nearly half a dozen encounters since January 18. A soldier was killed on January 18, and a Pakistani militant was neutralised on February 4. With Sunday’s operation, seven JeM militants have been killed in separate encounters in the Jammu region this year, including two in Ramanagar forest in Udhampur on February 4 and one in Parhetar village of Kathua on January 23.
The region, part of the Chenab Valley, remains a focus for security forces due to its rugged mountainous terrain, which provides cover for infiltrators from across the border.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
