Jammu. An encounter has once again started between security forces and terrorists in the early hours of Saturday in Dolgam area of Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. On the 14th day of Operation Trashi-I, the security forces achieved a major success when they re-established contact with the hiding terrorists. White Knight Corps of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel are involved in this joint operation. The area has been completely cordoned off and heavy firing is going on from both sides.
After receiving accurate input from intelligence agencies, the security forces intensified this operation on the ground. The encounter began when security forces were already carrying out a massive operation to search for three dreaded Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists operating in Kishtwar district. This is the fourth encounter between terrorists and security forces in the area within the last two weeks. Considering the seriousness of the operation, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Prateek Sharma visited Kishtwar and reviewed the anti-terrorism grid. Their objective is to eliminate the Jaish terrorists hiding in the area.
To maintain security and law and order, the administration has completely shut down internet services in a six kilometer radius around Chatru and Dolgam in Kishtwar. Connectivity is disrupted in areas like Singapura, Arigam, Dwathar and Naidagam. As per the order of the Home Department, it has been decided to continue this restriction in effect from January 23 even after Friday night so that any kind of rumors can be prevented from spreading. This entire operation was started on January 18 in inaccessible areas covered with snow. This operation is proving to be quite challenging due to difficult geographical conditions and heavy snowfall. One paratrooper was martyred and seven soldiers were injured in the first day’s encounter. After this, terrorists were also encountered at Mali Dana Top on 22 January and Janseer-Kandiwar on 25 January, but they were successful in escaping taking advantage of dense vegetation and deep snow. At present the security forces are moving forward with utmost caution so that all escape routes of the terrorists can be closed.
