किश्त्वार में JeM आतंकियों के खिलाफ पांचवें दिन जारी अभियान, बर्फबारी के बीच दबिश

Security forces have sustained a major anti-terror operation for the fifth consecutive day in the snow-covered forest belts of Kishtwar district, as efforts continue to track Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists hiding in the region, officials said. Meanwhile Home Department has temporarily suspended mobile data services — including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G — in parts of Kishtwar district. The ongoing joint operation spans two key locations — the Janseer–Kandiwar forest stretch of Chingaam and areas in and around Sonnar village near Mandral–Singhpora in the Chatroo subdivision. Contact was re-established with the terrorists during the night intervening January 25 and 26 in the Chatroo belt, triggering a fresh exchange of fire. This prompted security forces to launch an extensive cordon and search operation in the area. The operation is being conducted by a joint team of 2nd Para (Special Forces), the Indian Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Despite severe weather conditions following heavy snowfall, security forces have pushed deeper into higher reaches to continue search and combing activities. Surveillance has been intensified using helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs, while additional troops have been rushed in to reinforce the operation. This marks the third encounter in the Chatroo belt in 2026, as forces intensify their hunt for three Pakistani terrorists linked to the JeM outfit. The first encounter occurred on January 18 at Sonnar village near Mandral–Singhpora, during which one paratrooper laid down his life and six others were injured. The terrorists escaped by exploiting dense forest cover and difficult terrain. A second firefight took place on January 22 at a nearby location, but the terrorists once again managed to evade capture. Officials said that despite more than two feet of snowfall in the area, operations have continued uninterrupted in the high-altitude terrain. During the latest exchange of fire in the Janseer–Kandiwar forest, terrorists allegedly fired heavy weapons, including rocket launchers. Blood stains have reportedly been found on the snow, suggesting that the terrorists may have been wounded during the encounter. The operation remains underway. The suspension will remain in force till January 30 and covers Singhpora, Chingaam and Chatroo, along with a six-kilometre radius of these areas, to prevent misuse of communication networks by anti-national elements and to maintain law and order.