Jammu, January 22, 2026 : A fresh encounter broke out on Thursday between security forces and holed-up terrorists during an ongoing search operation in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
The operation was launched on Sunday in Sonnar village near Mandral–Singhpora in the Chatroo belt, following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The initial contact had resulted in a fierce gunfight in which one Army paratrooper was martyred and seven other soldiers were injured.
Officials said that fresh contact was established this morning with the terrorists hiding in the dense forest area of Singhpora. Heavy exchange of fire was underway between both sides when last reports were received, and security forces are continuing efforts to neutralise the terrorists.
During the course of the operation, a major terrorist hideout was unearthed on Monday near the encounter site. Arms, ammunition and other materials were recovered, and several suspects were detained for questioning, officials added.
According to sources, a group of two to three terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, is currently trapped in the area. Additional forces have been deployed to ensure the operation’s success and prevent any escape.
The situation remains tense, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon in the region.
