Security forces on Sunday resumed a large-scale cordon-and-search operation in the snow-covered Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir to track down three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed to be hiding in the area following a brief gun battle. The operation was restarted after forces maintained a tight cordon throughout the night.
Authorities have heightened security in nearby villages, placing Village Defence Guards on operational alert to prevent any movement or escape by the terrorists. Officials said the militants are constantly shifting locations to evade capture, prompting intensified surveillance and ground-level checks. Security agencies are also keeping a close watch on suspected overground workers who may be providing logistical support such as food or shelter.
The ongoing operation entered another critical phase after troops re-established contact with the terrorists in the Dolgam area early Saturday. One terrorist is believed to have been injured during the exchange of fire, with drone surveillance reportedly detecting bloodstains at the encounter site. This marked the fourth contact with terrorists in the region over the past two weeks.
A joint multi-agency force comprising the Army&rsquo;s Special Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police&rsquo;s Special Operations Group and the Central Reserve Police Force is involved in the operation. Drones, helicopters and sniffer dogs are being used to scan the high-altitude, snowbound Chatroo&ndash;Dolgam&ndash;Dichhar belt.
As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended within a six-kilometre radius covering areas including Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo since Friday. Kishtwar district has witnessed multiple encounters in recent months as security forces continue their crackdown on Pakistan-based terror groups active along the region bordering Doda and Udhampur districts.

Security forces intensify hunt for JeM terrorists in snowbound Kishtwar district

Search Operation Resumes in J&K’s Kishtwar

Security forces intensify hunt for JeM terrorists in snowbound Kishtwar district

February 1, 2026 | 13:05 IST