Has the Anti-Terrorist Operation in Kishtwar Entered Its Second Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The operation in Kishtwar has intensified, targeting known terrorists.
- Security forces are employing advanced strategies, including drone surveillance.
- Focus extends beyond immediate threats to dismantling the terrorist ecosystem.
- Coordinated efforts are crucial following previous terror incidents.
- Drug trafficking is linked to funding terrorism, prompting a broader crackdown.
Jammu, Aug 11 (NationPress) The operation targeting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has progressed into its second day on Monday, with reports of intermittent firing and loud explosions echoing through the area overnight.
Officials indicated, “Intermittent firing and the deafening sounds of explosions disturbed a forest region in Kishtwar district as the effort to neutralise terrorists advanced into its second day on Monday. The terrorists are thought to be concealed within a cave on a cliff in Bhagna forest in the Dool area, approximately 25 km from Kishtwar town,” stated the officials.
The search initiative in the forest commenced early Sunday after intelligence suggested the presence of two highly sought Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari, both active in the district for the last eight years, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh each.
“The concealed terrorists opened fire on the search teams at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday and retreated deeper into the forest amidst counterfire,” the officials noted.
The cordon and search operation (CASO) has been intensified with additional reinforcements from the Army, including para commandos, police, and CRPF, alongside the deployment of drones to ensure the terrorists do not escape.
“The last reported firing by the terrorists occurred on Sunday evening near the cave, which is believed to be quite deep, as joint forces suspect they have taken refuge inside. Numerous powerful blasts and sporadic gunfire were reported overnight,” the officials added.
The search operation continues, with further details pending.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, security forces have intensified anti-terrorist operations against armed terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers.
Additionally, drug smugglers and peddlers are under scrutiny, as it is believed that funds from hawala operations and drug trafficking are ultimately used to support terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The coordinated, intelligence-backed operations by the joint forces aim at dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism in the union territory, rather than merely eliminating armed terrorists.