Operation Chhatru: Security forces exchange fire with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar

According to reports, at least three terrorists are suspected to be hiding

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the remote Chhatru area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Wednesday morning.

The development was confirmed by the Indian Army on X which said its troops, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, established contact with terrorists in the Chhatru area during an intelligence-based operation.

In an official statement posted on X, the Army’s White Knight Corps said, “In an intelligence based operation, in concert with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in early morning hours today, alert troops of White Knight Corps have established contact with terrorists in general area of Chhatru."

“Fire exchanged with terrorists. Operation is in progress," it added.

According to sources cited by India Today, two to three terrorists are believed to be hiding in the area. Over the past few months, the group has reportedly been active in the region and security forces had been tracking their movements closely.

Earlier on Tuesday, police said that two alleged criminals were detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Jammu and Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Tajinder Singh alias “Happy”, a resident of Simbal Camp of Jammu, was detained under PSA and lodged in Poonch district jail, a police spokesperson told PTI.

Saleem Javed of Kishtwar's Zewar village was also detained in connection with drug peddling, and he was lodged at Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu.

Located in the higher reaches of Kishtwar, the Chhatru area has seen sporadic militant activity over the past year, with security forces intensifying counter-terror operations in the last few months.