Kishtwar CASO enters 3rd day, IGP Jammu visits encounter site

Jammu, Jan 20: Intensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Son Nar Forest stretch of Chhatru and adjoining areas in Kishtwar continued for the third day on Tuesday to hunt down the hiding terrorists, who slipped away in the treacherous heights after fierce exchange of gunfire on January 18.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti joined by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Jammu IG R Gopala Krishna Rao too reached the encounter site on Tuesday along with other senior officials of Army to monitor the ongoing counter terrorist operation there.

Meanwhile, the security forces picked a few individuals for questioning after a well-equipped terrorist hideout was busted on Monday, January 19, 2026 in the vicinity of the encounter site. Though officially, no details were shared about the detention yet the sources stated that their questioning was aimed at unearthing the Over Ground Workers, who helped the terrorists in creating infrastructure in deep forests amid treacherous heights and replenishing it.

Meanwhile, the senior officers of Indian Army on Tuesday morning paid glowing tributes to the paratrooper Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, who was killed during the gunfight with the terrorists in Kishtwar on January 18 night, in a wreath-laying ceremony at Military Hospital, Satwari in Jammu.

Brigadier Yudhvir Singh Sekhon, officiating Chief of Staff of the White Knight Corps led the ceremony, which was also attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Jammu-Samba-Kathua range Shiv Kumar Sharma, DC Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas besides senior officers of Army, BSF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the mortal remains of the Army brave-heart were despatched to his native place in Uttarakhand for the last rites.

The White Knight Corps, on behalf of its General Officer Commanding (GOC) and all ranks, paid tributes to its brave-heart on its official ‘X’ handle as well.

“In solemn remembrance, White Knight Corps paid tribute to braveheart Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, who made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a Counter Terrorism Operation in the Singpura area during the ongoing Operation TRASHI-I, on the intervening night of 18–19 January 2026,” its post read.

“His unwavering courage and commitment to duty exemplify the finest traditions of the Indian Army. His supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire generations,” the White Knight Corps posted.

The Army stated that the operation continued with the cordon further tightened and search operations expanded in Chhatru.

The gunfight erupted after the security forces came under heavy fire and grenade attack by the hiding terrorists during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Son Nar forest stretch on Sunday (January 18) afternoon.

A group of two to three terrorists was engaged in the gunfire in the ‘Operation Trashi’, being led by the personnel from Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and para special forces along with Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and other security agencies. Eight soldiers sustained injuries in the grenade attack by the terrorists.

Amid heavy exchange of fire, reinforcement, well equipped with advanced surveillance equipment, drones and dog squad, was rushed to the encounter site to further strengthen the cordon to hunt down the hiding terrorists, believed to be affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammad.

In a related development, during the search operation, the security forces busted a terrorist hideout, located at an altitude of 12,000 feet, in Singhpora area of Chhatru forests. Officials stated that the hideout, with multiple entry and exit points, with a carrying capacity of three to four terrorists at a time, was well equipped with cooking gas, desi ghee, cereals, other eatables and blankets.

In a related development in Jammu district, the joint teams of Border Security Force (BSF) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) conducted searches all along Aik nullah and adjoining areas in the border stretch of Arnia-Bishnah area on Tuesday.

“For the past one week, we have been conducting searches, Security forces are on alert in wake of drone intrusions and recoveries in the area. Infiltrators and other anti-national elements have used this nullah for infiltration in the past, hence we are not leaving no scope for complacency. Border people are alert. VDGs are also performing their job with dedication. We- all senior officers are on the ground,” said SDPO R S Pura Gurmeet Singh, while speaking to media persons.