Jammu and Kashmir: Intensified Anti-Terror Operation in Kishtwar’s Snowbound Chatroo Belt; Internet Suspended

Srinagar: Security forces intensified a large scale anti terror operation on Friday in the snowbound Chatroo belt of Jammu and Kashmir’s eastern Kishtwar district, pursuing a small group of militants believed to be from the Pakistan based Jaish e Muhammad (JeM).

The operation has involved a broad array of assets and agencies, elite paratroopers, Rashtriya Rifles units, aerial surveillance, sniffer dogs and local police have been deployed to sweep the forested expanse, tighten checkpoints and intensify vehicle inspections across the district.

The operation, which began on January 18, has focused on dense, rugged forest and high altitude terrain where three suspected militants are reported to be holed up. Troops have battled through more than two feet of fresh snowfall and thick vegetation as they methodically comb the area, mounting cordons, conducting daylight sweeps and pausing operations overnight to reduce the risk of collateral damage or civilian harm.

The campaign was triggered by a fierce gunbattle in the Sonnar forest near Mandrel Singhpora on January 18, when troops acting on intelligence encountered heavy militant fire. That initial clash proved costly as paratrooper Havildar Gajendra Singh was killed and several soldiers were wounded, three of them critically who were airlifted for specialised care. Officials said militants used grenades and indiscriminate firing in attempts to break the tightening cordon, and then slipped deeper into the forest and steep slopes under cover of vegetation and darkness.

According to security sources, the militants were reportedly in the middle of eating biryani when security forces unexpectedly closed in on their location, catching them off guard. This prompted a deeper probe into the support network aiding the group. Police, along with the Army and other security agencies, soon began working to identify who supplied the biryani and whether it points to a larger logistical chain assisting the militants. As investigators are examining local links, possible sympathisers, and any facilitation routes that may have enabled the delivery of food to the hideout, a couple of dozen people were detained for questioning.

Security forces re-established contact with the group on January 22, prompting a renewed and prolonged firefight in the wooded belt. Additional encounters were reported at Mali Dana top on January 22 and at Janseer Kandiwar on January 25, but the militants repeatedly evaded capture by melting into the terrain. Authorities believe the group includes two to three foreign fighters linked to JeM, and say the militants have been mobile, well armed and prepared to use explosives to try to escape encirclement.

A suspected militant hideout was discovered during searches, though authorities have not publicly detailed what was recovered.

As a precautionary security measure and to prevent the possible misuse of high speed data by anti national elements during the operation, the J&K Home Department ordered a temporary suspension of mobile internet services — “temporary suspension of mobile data services” — covering a six kilometre radius around Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo. The suspension, which affects 2G through 5G services, was first imposed on January 23 and has been extended through 11.59 pm on January 30 under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, following inputs from the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, and a formal order from the Principal Secretary, Home Department. Officials said the step was taken in the interest of the Union Territory’s security, public order and the sovereignty and integrity of India.