What Triggered the Gunfight Between Security Forces and Terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar?

Jammu, May 22 (NationPress) A violent confrontation took place on Thursday as security personnel engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials, the joint forces acted on specific intelligence regarding the presence of a group comprising three to four terrorists, leading to the initiation of a CASO in the Singhpora area of Chatroo within Kishtwar.

“The cordon was established to effectively confront the terrorists and prevent their escape. As the forces advanced, the concealed terrorists opened fire, resulting in an ongoing encounter. Reports indicate that three to four members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are entrenched in the location,” officials noted.

Designated as 'Op Trashi', the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army stated on their X handle that, "Contact has been established with #terrorists during a joint #operation with @JmuKmrPolice at #Chhatru, #Kishtwar this morning. Additional troops have been deployed, and operations are underway to neutralize the terrorists."

In a strategic move, joint forces have ramped up operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers throughout J&K. These efforts intensified following the tragic events of April 22, when Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists targeted tourists based on their religion, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local resident, in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

This heinous act of terrorism has ignited widespread outrage across the nation. In response, India executed precision-guided strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in regions including Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In retaliation, Pakistan launched significant mortar attacks along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, deliberately targeting civilian structures.

The Pakistani shelling resulted in the destruction of over 200 homes and businesses, forcing numerous residents to flee their villages in search of safety.

Many of these border dwellers have yet to return home as security forces continue to disarm unexploded shells from Pakistan in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts.

India consented to a ceasefire established by the DGMOs of both nations on June 12.

However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that this agreement will remain intact only if Pakistan refrains from harboring any terrorist activities against India, indicating a probationary period for Pakistan.