In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Indian security forces have neutralized a suspected Pakistani terrorist linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, named Trashi-I, took place in the higher reaches of the snow-covered Kishtwar forests.

The encounter occurred on Wednesday evening during a search operation in the challenging terrain of Dichhar, Chatroo, where troops re-established contact with terrorists. The operation was a joint effort by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This successful neutralization marks the fifth such encounter in the Chatroo area in the past 18 days, highlighting the persistent efforts of security forces to track down JeM militants in the region.

The Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the successful neutralization in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the operation is in progress. Security forces have been conducting extensive search operations in the Chatroo forest area since mid-January, following an earlier encounter where a paratrooper was killed and eight other security personnel were injured.

Operation Trashi-I has been underway for close to three weeks, with the first exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists occurring on January 18 in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora. This initial encounter resulted in injuries to eight security personnel, one of whom later died. Subsequent gunfights took place on January 22 and January 24, during which another Pakistani JeM terrorist was killed.

In addition to Operation Trashi-I, security forces conducted "Operation KIYA" in the Basantgarh area of the Udhampur district, where they neutralized two more terrorists. The Army stated that this operation was based on specific intelligence inputs from the J&K Police and involved a coordinated effort by the Army and CRPF.

Authorities had previously suspended mobile internet services within a 6km radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo in Kishtwar to prevent misuse by terrorists.

The recent operations underscore the continued efforts by Indian security forces to combat terrorism in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir. The successful neutralization of terrorists in Kishtwar and Udhampur is a testament to the inter-agency coordination, tactical precision, and high standards of professionalism maintained by the security forces.