Jammu, May 23: An intensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) entered the second day on Friday in and around the Chhatroo area of the Kishtwar district to hunt down the terrorists with the mobilisation of additional troops.
However, no contact could be established with the terrorists after a fierce yet brief exchange of fire on Thursday ensuing encounter wherein one soldier was killed and two others sustained injuries.
Following an exchange of fire, a massive joint combing operation was launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, the Indian Army, and other paramilitary forces including CRPF, to track the hiding terrorists.
SSP Kishtwar and other officers from the Police, Army and CRPF were camping at the encounter site to ensure effective coordination among the forces in order to eliminate the hiding terrorists at the earliest.
ìAs earlier stated, additional troops have been inducted and the operation is ongoing to neutralise the terrorists,î PRO Defence Lt Col Suneel Bartwal told Greater Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat has asked the security personnel to ensure that all terrorists involved were dealt with strictly and brought to justice.
He issued these instructions during his visit on Thursday to the Singhpora-Chhatroo area of district Kishtwar, where this major anti-terrorist operation is currently underway.
The DGP lauded the synergy among all security agencies and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to maintaining peace and order in the region through sustained and focussed operations.
The DGP was accompanied by IGP Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti and DIG DKR Range Shridhar Patil.
The top cop of J&K, during his visit, held a comprehensive review of the ground situation and strategy with officers leading the operation. He personally visited the dense forests and mountainous terrain, encouraging the deployed personnel.
The encounter in Chhatroo had begun on Thursday morning when the hiding terrorists opened fire on the security personnel engaged in a joint search operation in the forest area following input about their (terroristsí) presence.
In the ensuing gunfight, three army soldiers sustained injuries. Later, one of them Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang succumbed to his critical injuries.
It is presumed that three to four terrorists are trapped in the forests.
Earlier this year, three terrorists were neutralized in the Chhatroo encounter on April 11 and 12.
A large quantity of war-like stores including one AK and one M4 rifle were also recovered.
Shabir Ibn Yusuf adds from Srinagar
Meanwhile, a day after DGP Nalin Prabhat reviewed anti-terror operations in Chenab Valley and in the wake of an encounter in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar district, security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in parts of south Kashmir as well besides across Chenab Valley, targeting suspected terrorist hideouts and movement corridors.
The large-scale operations are currently underway in the densely forested areas of Kishtwar and neighbouring Doda district.
The Chenab Valley – comprising Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts – has historically seen intermittent terror but has witnessed a period of relative calm in recent years.
The fresh spurt in operations indicates a possible attempt by terror outfits to revive their activities in these areas.
ìThe operations are focused on densely forested belts that terrorists often use as hideouts and transit routes. Our aim is to completely sanitize the area and ensure there are no sleeper modules or movement of terrorists,î a senior Police officer posted in Chenab Valley told Greater Kashmir.
According to officials, multiple search parties have been deployed in Marwah, Dachhan, and upper Bhadarwah areas. Drones and sniffer dogs are also being used to track movement in rugged terrain.
Meanwhile, in south Kashmir, massive anti-terror operations are underway in the higher reaches of Anantnag and Kulgam districts.
Security officials said that terrorists may be attempting to infiltrate or shift their bases from the Chenab Valley into south Kashmir ahead of the summer season.
ìThere are apprehensions that some terrorist groups, under pressure in Chenab Valley, may try to sneak into south Kashmir through mountain passes. Hence, the vigil has been tightened along the Pir Panjal ridgelines,î an Army official said here.
The Chhatroo encounter has marked a turning point, prompting coordinated action across multiple districts.
Security forces have appealed to the local population to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement.
ìThere is a renewed attempt to rekindle terrorism in these areas that had been secured. The response will be swift and decisive,î a senior official said.
