Jammu, Feb 23: Security forces in an operation spanning over a month in rugged terrains of Kishtwar have successfully neutralised all four hard core Jaish terrorists, including dreaded commanded Saifullah, in “Operation Trashi-I.”

This was stated by GOC, CIF(D) Maj Gen APS Bal and IGP, Jammu Zone B S Tuti, IPS in a media interaction on Monday, February 23, 2026, a day after the security forces, in a joint operation, killed three Jaish terrorists, including Saifullah in Passerkut area of Chhatru.

Prior to it, one terrorist was killed on February 4, 2026 in Chhatru.

“A major terror group operating in the area was being relentlessly pursued by the security forces. Operations were launched in April-May last year and were sustained despite hy rains and snow during winters. Successful contact with the group resulted in elimination of three hard core terrorists in April 2025, However the latest of the group code name Saifullah along with his close associate code name Adil and two other terrorists were surviving and were on the run,” it was stated in the presser.

Major General A P S Bal stated, “The troops displayed exceptional tactical precision and swiftness, ensuring zero casualties among own personnel. Role of army trained dog Tyson needs a special mention who entered the Dhok to ascertain presence of terrorists. Terrorists opened fire during which Tyson was injured.”

As per the details shared in the presser, based on the collaborative assessment of intelligence provided by JKP, IB and army sources, a Joint Counter Terrorist (CT) operation, codenamed Operation Trashi–I, was launched on January 14, 2026 in the Chhatru, Kishtwar region to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area by troops of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta under White Knight Corps including Assam Rifles, in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

On January 18, 2026, contact was established with the terror group and their well prepared and stocked hideout was busted by the security forces.

“Relentless pursuit of the terrorists on the run resulted in elimination of one terrorist code named Adil on February 4, 2026 in Operation Trashi-1, besides two terrorists being neutralised in a separate operation, “Operation Kiya” on the same day. Following the contact of February 4, 2026, the Security Forces continued with grit and determination towards elimination of the remaining terrorists,” Major Gen Bal, joined by IGP Jammu stated.

The terrorists were re-engaged at approximately 1100 hours on February 22, 2026.

“Displaying high standards of tactical precision, seamless inter-agency coordination and resolute operational efficiency, Security Forces including JKP and CRPF, rigorously pursued the terrorist group in the challenging and rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The final encounter site in which three terrorists were successfully neutralised on steep slopes of a rugged mountain was cordoned by the security forces in the night of February 21-22, 2026.

“During the search of the area, till now, war-like stores including three AK-47 rifles have been recovered along with bodies of the slain terrorists. The operation reflected seamless coordination between the Army, CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, notably the SOG,” the duo added.

It was pointed out that reinforcements, including special forces, were quickly mobilized. “The Army utilized real-time surveillance drones and night vision equipment to track and contain terrorist movement, preventing any potential escape. CIF (D), under the aegis of White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in close coordination with JKP and CRPF, and based on intelligence inputs from multiple sources, have eliminated 6 Pakistan sponsored terrorists in its area of responsibility over the past 20 days,” Maj Gen Bal said, adding that the formation would continue to undertake intelligence-based operations, sustain operational momentum and maintain dominance in the area of responsibility.

Jammu, Feb 23: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Monday reserved its order on a petition contesting the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik.

Malik, who is the AAP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit president, was detained under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) on September 8 last year for allegedly disturbing public order and was subsequently lodged in the Kathua jail.

On September 24, he filed a habeas corpus petition in the high court, challenging his detention and seeking Rs 5 crore as compensation.

Malik’s case came up for hearing before Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani and the court has reserved the matter for pronouncement of orders, Advocate Appu Singh Slathia said.

Slathia, who is also AAP spokesperson, said the court has granted both parties — Mehraj Malik’s legal team as well as the State — one week’s time to file a written synopsis or any additional submissions, if they wish to do so.

Slathia said it has been a long and challenging legal journey but “we remain hopeful and confident in the judicial process”.

She asked Malik’s supporters and AAP activists to remain calm and positive.

Jammu, Feb 23: The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army on Monday said that seven dreaded terrorists were eliminated in a prolonged 326-day high-altitude joint operation in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.

In a post on X, the White Knight Corps termed the operation as “Gallant Perseverance” and said relentless and painstaking operations were conducted in the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions of Kishtwar.

The Army said troops of the White Knight Corps, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, operated on the basis of a well-knit intelligence grid established by civil and military intelligence agencies. The forces tracked the terrorists in cold, wet and freezing conditions across difficult mountainous terrain, leading to multiple contacts before finally eliminating all seven terrorists.

According to the post, advanced technology including FPV drones, satellite imagery, RPAs/UAVs and communication systems was continuously leveraged to assist in the operations.

The Army said the elimination of Saifullah and his associates has dealt a massive blow to the terror network operating in the region, adding that the success reflects the determination, courage and valour of the forces and intelligence agencies.

“We Serve, We Protect,” the Corps stated in its message. (KNC)

Nowshera, Feb 22: A tour programme was conducted on Sunday by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department in Nowshera Forest Division under the leadership of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Dr V S Senthil Kumar. He was accompanied by the Conservator of Forests, West Circle, Rajouri, Sat Paul.

The visit, as per an official statement, was undertaken in connection with the Khair Awareness and assessment Programme for formulation of the next ten-year Khair Management Plan with the proposed  felling cycle from 2027–28 to 2036–37.

In Nowshera Forest Division, the Chief Conservator of Forests visited Sunderbani Range along with the Divisional Forest Officer, Nowshera, Shweta Deonia, DCF accompanied with field functionaries and staff of the department.

An interactive session was held with local farmers of 35 Villages and other stakeholders like Ex-PRI Members, prominent villagers regarding the forthcoming ten-year Khair Management Plan wherein farmers are at the centre stage for Khair trees assessment in their private land holdings and the data proposed by them will be used for formulation of Khair Management Plan to be implemented from 2027–28 to 2036–37.

ADC Sunderbani, Ramkesh Sharma alongwith other revenue officers/officials was also present on the occasion. The field staff distributed Khair Assessment Forms among the farmers to facilitate systematic data collection and ensure participatory planning.

On the occasion, Dr V S Senthil planted a sapling in Nagar Van Charnote, symbolizing the department’s commitment towards environmental conservation and promotion of indigenous species. The Chief Conservator of Forests emphasized the importance of scientific assessment, transparency in management practices and active community participation to ensure sustainable management of Khair resources and long-term ecological balance. The programme concluded with directions to the field functionaries for timely completion of the assessment process and effective coordination with local stakeholders.