The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district remains critical as a fresh exchange of fire broke out between joint security forces and holed-up terrorists early Saturday morning. Under the banner of 'Operation Trashi-I', the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, along with the J&K Police and CRPF, have re-established contact with a group of terrorists in the rugged, snow-covered terrain of the Dolgam area.

 After a brief lull in the 12-day-long operation, security forces successfully traced the location of the terrorists in the Dolgam village area during the early hours of January 31.
 Intelligence reports suggest a group of 2-3 heavily armed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are hiding in the dense forests. These terrorists have managed to evade capture since the initial encounter on January 18 by utilizing the thick vegetation and recent heavy snowfall.

To curb the spread of rumors and prevent anti-national elements from coordinating via mobile apps, authorities have suspended high-speed mobile internet services. The suspension covers a 6-kilometer radius including Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo.
 Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Kishtwar earlier today to review the counter-terrorism grid and commend the troops for their resolve in the face of sub-zero temperatures and challenging terrain.
'Operation Trashi-I' was launched on January 18 following specific inputs about terrorist movement. The first day of the operation saw a fierce gunbattle that resulted in the supreme sacrifice of Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces and injuries to seven other soldiers. Today marks the fourth time contact has been established with this specific group in the past fortnight.