J&K: Kishtwar search operation enters Day 2

JAMMU: A joint anti-terror operation in the densely forested belt of Kuchal-Chatroo in J&K’s Kishtwar district entered its second day Thursday, with security forces intensifying combing in the region to hunt two to three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed trapped within the cordon.

The operation was launched late Wednesday based on intelligence inputs about the movement of terrorists in Kanzal Mandu area. A search party hunting for the ultras came under fire, triggering an encounter. Following a brief exchange of bullets, the guns fell silent, and no further contact was made with the holed-up terrorists till late Thursday, said officials.

Official sources said additional troops, drones and sniffer dogs had been roped in to assist the operation and plug possible escape routes. Security forces have been braving inclement weather conditions and hostile terrain to track the ultras.

Kishtwar lies on the traditional infiltration route of terrorists who enter via the international border, move to the upper reaches of Kathua and then Udhampur, before heading to Kashmir Valley via Doda and Kishtwar.