A tense gunfight erupted in the Singhpora area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, as security forces came under attack from three terrorists believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group. According to police and army officials, the terrorists not only opened fire on the security personnel but also lobbed grenades, resulting in injuries to multiple troops. The encounter is ongoing as additional reinforcements have been dispatched to the area, highlighting the continuing volatility in the region and the persistent threat posed by militant groups in Jammu’s mountainous districts.

The Incident and Immediate Response

The gunfight reportedly began around noon during a cordon and search operation in Sonnar village, near Mandral-Singhoora in the Chatroo area. Named Operation Trashi-I, the mission was launched by the Indian Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps in response to intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the region. The operation quickly escalated into an intense exchange of fire when the militants opened hostilities.

According to reports, eight security personnel sustained injuries, most of which resulted from grenade blasts. They were swiftly evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Army, in a statement to media, praised the professionalism and resolve of the troops, stating, “Troops displayed exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions. Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies.”

Local authorities and security agencies coordinated closely during the operation, emphasizing the complex nature of counter-terror missions in the rugged, mountainous terrain of Kishtwar. The Army’s strategy integrates both conventional military measures and advanced technological tools, reflecting a shift in operational methodology to counter evolving threats in high-altitude regions.

Historical Context and Ongoing Threat

The Kishtwar district, along with neighboring Doda, has been a hotspot for militant activity over recent years. Security forces in these regions regularly confront militants who exploit the difficult terrain to establish temporary bases or evade capture. In fact, multiple encounters have occurred over the past few months, underscoring the persistent security challenges.

On January 8, 2026, a separate encounter took place in Kathua district, where security forces engaged terrorists following specific intelligence. Similarly, in November 2025, another operation in Kishtwar’s Chatroo area saw the Jammu and Kashmir Police, assisted by the Indian Army, launch a joint mission after receiving credible intelligence regarding terrorist hideouts. In both cases, the security forces came under fire, leading to exchanges of gunfire and tactical maneuvers in the region’s rugged landscape.

Officials reveal that approximately 35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in the forests of Kishtwar and Doda, highlighting the scale of the threat. These militants often utilize the snow-clad higher reaches of the mountains as safe havens, a factor that has led the Army to intensify operations during winter months — a departure from the earlier practice of reducing operational activity during the coldest phase, known locally as ‘chillai kalan’. This approach ensures continuous pressure on militants and limits their opportunities to regroup or establish fortified positions.

Technological Edge and Tactical Advancements

The Army has increasingly relied on advanced technology to enhance the effectiveness of operations in challenging terrains. According to officials, thermal imaging devices and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become invaluable tools, particularly for night operations and in regions where conventional reconnaissance is hazardous.

“These tools, combined with the Army’s deep knowledge of the geography, allow for rapid adaptation to evolving ground realities,” an official told Hindustan Times. “No zone remains unmonitored, and threats can be neutralized more efficiently, even in high-altitude, snow-bound areas.”

By leveraging these technological assets, security forces are able to conduct coordinated cordon-and-search operations, detect hidden insurgent positions, and respond effectively under conditions that would otherwise favor militants.

Operational Challenges in Kishtwar

The terrain of Kishtwar poses unique operational challenges. The district is characterized by steep mountains, dense forests, and remote villages, which often limit the movement of security personnel and complicate intelligence gathering. Militants exploit these natural advantages, establishing temporary hideouts and moving stealthily between valleys and forested areas.

Operations such as Trashi-I require meticulous planning, coordination among multiple agencies, and rapid deployment of reinforcements. The inclusion of civil administration and local law enforcement ensures that operational strategies align with humanitarian and governance considerations, minimizing disruption to local communities while maximizing operational effectiveness.

Security experts note that coordination between army, police, and paramilitary forces is crucial in such encounters. Combined operations allow for simultaneous coverage of multiple areas, rapid cordon expansion, and effective management of casualties or collateral risks. In addition, intelligence-led targeting ensures that operations are precise, reducing the likelihood of unintended civilian casualties.

Broader Security Implications

The latest encounter in Kishtwar reflects both the resilience of local militants and the sustained commitment of Indian security forces to counter terrorism. By maintaining a year-round operational presence, including during harsh winters, the Army seeks to deny militants safe havens and disrupt their logistical networks.

Analysts suggest that encounters like the one in Chatroo also serve a strategic purpose: they reinforce the credibility of Indian security apparatus in the region, reassure local populations, and send a message to cross-border terrorist organizations that infiltration and attacks will be met with coordinated, decisive responses.

The evolving tactics of the Army, including the use of drones, thermal imaging, and intelligence integration, also reflect lessons learned from previous encounters. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance the safety of troops deployed in high-risk environments.

Community Impact and Local Response

While security operations are primarily aimed at neutralizing militants, they inevitably affect local communities. Villages such as Sonnar and Mandral-Singhoora have witnessed multiple encounters over recent years, creating a climate of apprehension among residents. Authorities strive to balance operational imperatives with community safety, ensuring timely evacuation and medical support for those affected.

Community cooperation is also pivotal for intelligence gathering, as local knowledge often provides critical insights into militant movements and hideouts. The Army and police maintain engagement programs with local residents to foster trust and facilitate smoother execution of operations.

Conclusion

The ongoing gunfight in Kishtwar underscores the complex security environment in Jammu and Kashmir, where militant groups continue to exploit terrain and seasonal conditions to evade capture. Operations like Trashi-I highlight the combination of intelligence-led strategy, technological enhancement, and coordinated multi-agency response that defines modern counterterrorism efforts in India.

As the encounter continues, authorities remain vigilant and committed to neutralizing the threat posed by the three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, while simultaneously safeguarding the lives of security personnel and local civilians. This latest operation serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in the region and the adaptive strategies required to maintain security and stability in one of India’s most strategically sensitive areas.