Kishtwar district, located in the Chenab valley region of Jammu, has witnessed a series of anti-militancy operations in recent years as security forces seek to prevent the movement and regrouping of terrorists in the mountainous belt linking Jammu with the Kashmir valley.
| Photo Credit:
Indian Army via PTI Photo
At least eight soldiers were injured in a gunbattle between security forces and terrorists during an ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Jammu division’s Kishtwar district.
The encounter began on Sunday evening when joint teams of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation in the forested area of Sonnar, located in the remote and hilly terrain of Kishtwar. The operation was initiated following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.
According to security officials, the terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group, opened fire on the search party and lobbed a grenade, triggering a fierce gun battle. The security forces retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire that continued for several hours under challenging conditions.
Eight soldiers sustained injuries during the operation and were evacuated to hospital for treatment, officials said Reinforcements were rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and prevent the terrorists from escaping.
The Army’s Chinar Corps, also known as the White Knight Corps, confirmed the contact in a post on social media platform X. “Contact was established with terrorists in the general area of Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations along with Jammu and Kashmir Police,” the post said. It added that troops showed “exceptional professionalism and resolve” while responding to hostile fire in difficult terrain and weather conditions.
“Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and other security agencies,” the Army said.
An official said the search operation was continuing to track down the terrorists, who are believed to be hiding in dense forests and using the rugged terrain to their advantage. Authorities have tightened security in the surrounding areas as a precautionary measure.
Kishtwar district, located in the Chenab valley region of Jammu, has witnessed a series of anti-militancy operations in recent years as security forces seek to prevent the movement and regrouping of terrorists in the mountainous belt linking Jammu with the Kashmir valley.
Published on January 19, 2026
