Kishtwar Under Siege: Second Day of Firing as Soldier Martyred, Terrorists Trapped

Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district faced a second day of intense gunfire in the Singhpora area of Chatroo, as security forces battled a group of terrorists in a high-stakes encounter. The operation, codenamed Trashi, saw a tragic loss with one Indian Army soldier martyred during the fierce exchange. The clash, which began on May 22, has heightened tensions in the region, with security forces tightening their cordon around three to four Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives believed responsible for recent civilian killings.

Operation Trashi: A Relentless Pursuit
Launched after precise intelligence, Operation Trashi involves elite units, including the Army’s 2 Para Special Forces, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, 7th Assam Rifles, and J&K Police. The operation began with the elimination of two terrorists on the first day, but the remaining militants, holed up in a forested area, continued to exchange heavy fire. The martyred soldier, whose identity remains undisclosed, succumbed to injuries despite immediate medical evacuation, underscoring the high risks faced by forces combating terrorism in challenging terrain.

Terrorists Linked to Civilian Attacks
The trapped terrorists, suspected to be part of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are believed to be behind recent targeted killings of civilians in Kishtwar, including village defense guards. Their presence in the densely forested Chatroo belt has alarmed locals, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces and drones to track the militants. The ongoing operation aims to neutralize the threat before the group can execute further attacks, with security forces maintaining a tight perimeter to prevent escape.

Region on Edge Amid Crackdown
The back-to-back encounters have put Kishtwar on high alert, with residents urged to stay vigilant. The martyrdom of the soldier has sparked tributes across social media, while the operation underscores India’s resolve to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. As the standoff continues, the nation awaits the outcome of this critical mission to restore peace in the troubled region.