Operation Trashi-I, a massive search operation aimed at flushing out terrorists from the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, has entered its fourth day. The operation, which commenced on Sunday in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora in the Chatroo belt, was initiated following a gunfight between security forces and terrorists.
The encounter on Sunday resulted in the death of one paratrooper, Havildar Gajendra Singh, and injuries to seven other soldiers, primarily from splinter injuries sustained in a grenade attack by the hiding terrorists. The terrorists, numbering around two to three, are believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). They managed to escape into the dense forest areas following the initial exchange of fire.
Security forces have since intensified their efforts to track down the militants, expanding the search across the surrounding forests and high-altitude areas. Multiple teams comprising the Army, police, and paramilitary forces are involved in the operation, supported by drones and sniffer dogs. The challenging terrain, marked by thick vegetation, steep slopes, and limited visibility, is making the search operation difficult.
During the operation, security forces discovered a well-fortified terrorist hideout stocked with a large quantity of winter supplies, including food items, blankets, and utensils. According to officials, the recovered material was sufficient to sustain at least four terrorists during the harsh winter months. The hideout was located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet.
Several individuals have been detained for questioning in connection with the busted hideout. Security agencies are focusing on identifying overground workers (OGWs) who are suspected of assisting the terrorists in procuring and transporting supplies to the remote location.
Senior officers, including Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, and Inspector General of CRPF, Jammu, R Gopala Krishna Rao, are on the ground to supervise the ongoing operation. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu to pay tribute to Havildar Gajendra Singh, with Brigadier Yudhvir Singh Sekhon, Officiating Chief of Staff, White Knight Corps, leading the ceremony.
Security has been intensified across the Jammu region in the lead-up to Republic Day, amid intelligence inputs about attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to push more terrorists into the region. Operation Trashi-I is the third such operation in the Jammu division this year, following clashes earlier in January in the Kahog and Najote forests of Billawar in Kathua. Kishtwar, being a remote district east of the Chenab and south of the Kashmir Valley, saw intensified counter-terrorism efforts in 2025.
