What Happened in the Encounter Between Security Forces and Terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar?
Synopsis
A fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists in Kishtwar district escalated on February 22, 2023. The operation, named 'Operation Trashi-I', follows intelligence reports and aims to neutralize a group of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists. This ongoing conflict highlights the persistent challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Takeaways
Ongoing firefight between security forces and terrorists in Kishtwar.
Operation Trashi-I launched to combat Jaish-e-Mohammad militants.
Intelligence reports indicate foreign terrorists active in the region.
Joint forces are working diligently to ensure public safety.
Government emphasizes a mission-mode approach for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu, Feb 22 (NationPress) A fierce gunfight broke out on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district between security forces and terrorists.
The Army's White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, announced on X today, “CONTACT ESTABLISHED WITH TERRORISTS | OP TRASHI - I Joint operations by #WhiteKnightCorps, along with @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, have led to contact with terrorists in the vicinity of Passerkut, #Kishtwar. The firefight is ongoing, and troops have cordoned off the area. The operation is in progress.”
The Army has named the operation targeting terrorists in the Chatroo region as 'Operation Trashi-I'.
Authorities revealed that the security forces, which include the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF, commenced a Cordon & Search Operation (CASO) in the forested Chatroo area following intelligence reports of two to three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists hiding in the dense woods.
“As the joint forces approached the terrorists' location, they came under fire, initiating the ongoing encounter. Reinforcements have been dispatched to the snow-covered region,” officials stated.
This incident marks the second encounter in this area within the month; a previous gunfight occurred on February 4.
Over the past year, more than a dozen encounters have transpired between security forces and terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.
It’s suspected that a faction of foreign terrorists is active in the region, frequently relocating between Kishtwar, Doda, and Udhampur districts.
The Army, along with J&K Police and the CRPF, is in hot pursuit of this group of Pakistani terrorists, which explains their movement from one area to another rather than engaging in direct attacks against security forces.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued explicit directives for the neutralization of Pakistani terrorists in the hilly regions of the Jammu division.
During his recent visit to Jammu on February 7, the Union Home Minister emphasized the need for a mission-mode approach to achieve lasting peace in the union territory.
Point of View
It’s imperative to acknowledge the ongoing challenges our security forces face in Jammu and Kashmir. This latest encounter underscores the enduring threat posed by terrorist factions, emphasizing the need for resolute action and strategic planning to ensure the safety of our citizens. The government’s focus on neutralizing threats in these regions is commendable and vital for restoring peace.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the encounter in Kishtwar?
The encounter was initiated following a Cordon & Search Operation based on intelligence reports of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists hiding in the Chatroo area.
How many terrorists are believed to be involved?
Intelligence suggests that there are two to three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in the area.
What is Operation Trashi-I?
Operation Trashi-I is the name given by the Army for the ongoing operation against terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.
Who is leading the military operation?
The operation is being conducted by the Army's White Knight Corps, along with J&K Police and CRPF.
What has the Union Home Minister said about the situation?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the neutralization of Pakistani terrorists in the hilly districts of Jammu.
