𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲

SRINAGAR, May 23: The large-scale anti-terror operation in the dense forests of Kishtwar’s Singhpora-Chatroo area continued for a second straight day on Friday, as security forces ramped up their efforts to locate and neutralize militants believed to be hiding in the rugged terrain.

Launched on Thursday, Operation Trashi is being carried out by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces, following intelligence suggesting the presence of three to four terrorists in the region.

On the first day of the operation, a fierce gunfight broke out, during which 24-year-old Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang of the 17th Rashtriya Rifles was martyred. He was a native of Karandi village in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district.

Defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal confirmed that a major search effort is ongoing in the mountainous terrain, aided by advanced technical surveillance equipment. “There’s no direct contact yet with the terrorists, but security forces are actively dominating the area. The entire region is under close watch,” he stated.

He added that specialized troops, including para-commandos, are sweeping the thick forested area with support from high-tech drones and helicopters. “Given the possibility of militants trying to escape, the forces are combing the area thoroughly,” he said, emphasizing the difficulty of the terrain.

To oversee the situation on the ground, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat visited Kishtwar and reviewed the operation with senior security officials. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and strategic planning.

According to defence sources, four terrorists are believed to be cornered within the area, and all efforts are being made to neutralize them without endangering civilian lives, considering the operational challenges posed by the geography.

Meanwhile, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen soldier was held at the military hospital in Jammu. His remains were later sent to his hometown for final rites. Senior officials from the Army, police, BSF, and civil administration paid their respects, including Major General Shailendra Singh, Chief of Staff of the White Knight Corps.

Earlier, the White Knight Corps confirmed on X that a soldier had succumbed to injuries during the ongoing encounter, while the operation to eliminate the militants continues.