The Indian Army’s intensified anti-terror operation in the rugged terrains of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, has entered its second consecutive day, with security forces continuing their search and surveillance activities. Army personnel, alongside paramilitary and local police units, are scouring dense forests and remote villages following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of armed militants in the region.
Officials reported intermittent exchanges of fire between troops and suspected terrorists, though no casualties have been confirmed on either side so far. Local residents in adjoining areas have been advised to remain vigilant as the operation unfolds. “Our forces are exercising maximum caution to avoid civilian harm while neutralizing threats,” stated a senior security official involved in the operation.
Authorities have cordoned off multiple locations in the Chingham area, a known hotspot for militant activity, to restrict unauthorized movement. The operation comes weeks after heightened security alerts in the region, driven by intelligence suggesting attempts to disrupt ongoing peace efforts in the newly formed Union Territory. Kishtwar, once a volatile district, has seen a decline in violence over the past decade, but recent developments have reignited concerns.
In a bid to maintain transparency, the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a statement acknowledging the operation’s complexity and assured residents of timely updates. However, communication blackouts and harsh weather conditions have hampered both operational logistics and information flow, leaving some families in isolated villages anxious about the prolonged clashes.
This operation echoes similar counterinsurgency actions in the Pir Panjal region last year, where security forces successfully dismantled several terror modules. Analysts emphasize that sustaining peace in Kishtwar remains critical to broader stability in Jammu and Kashmir, even as militants increasingly shift to guerrilla tactics in forested zones. Meanwhile, local leaders have appealed for calm, urging communities to support security efforts while staying alert.
As nightfall approaches, troops remain deployed across strategic points, equipped with advanced surveillance technology and thermal imaging devices. The Army has not yet provided a timeline for concluding the operation but reiterated its resolve to ensure the area’s safety. “We are committed to protecting our citizens at all costs,” the official added, underscoring the mission’s dual focus on security and civilian welfare.
