Militant Killed in Kishtwar Gunfight, Manhunt Intensifies in Jammu Hilly Areas
Jammu, Apr 11, KNT: Joint forces on Friday shot dead a militant in Kishtwar district amid an intensifying counter-militancy sweep across Jammu’s mountainous belt, with search operations currently underway in Udhampur and Doda districts to track a group of heavily armed infiltrators believed to be on the move, amy said.
The operation in Kishtwar spread out in the dense forests of Chatru, where a joint team of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a targeted combing operation based on intelligence inputs. Officials said the encounter began after contact was established with militants hiding in the area, leading to a fierce gunfight in which one unidentified militant was killed.
Despite challenging weather and rugged terrain, Army personnel from the 16 Corps pressed ahead with the mission. A brief exchange of fire had also occurred earlier this week in the nearby Naidgam forest area, prompting an extended operation in the region.
The slain militant is suspected to be linked to the Pakistan-based Saifullah module, allegedly responsible for the deadly ambush on an Army patrol in Doda last year. However, official confirmation regarding his identity and affiliations is awaited.
Meanwhile, in the Jopher-Marta forest zone of Udhampur district, a parallel manhunt is in full swing to flush out three militants who are believed to be hiding in the thick forest stretches bordering Ramnagar. The encounter here began on Wednesday after search teams came under fire during a routine sweep of the area.
Specialized units, assisted by drones, helicopters, and sniffer dogs, are combing the forested hills under tight security. “Night cordons have been laid to prevent any possible escape of the militants, who are said to be under mounting pressure from advancing troops,” army said.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Udhampur, Amod Ashok Nagpure, confirmed that two to three militants were likely trapped in the ongoing operation zone and that extensive efforts were underway to neutralize them.
In view of rising infiltration threats, especially with snow beginning to melt in high-altitude passes, authorities have increased surveillance across key sectors linking Kishtwar, Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua. Troop movement is being closely supported by aerial reconnaissance and technology-driven tracking.
Over the past three weeks, security forces have been engaged in at least five separate encounters in these hilly districts.
Heightened security measures have also been enforced along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, with intensified vehicle checks and frisking of commuters to deter any potential threats. [KNT]
