Security Forces Launch Search for Terrorists in Kishtwar Region

Jammu, Jul 3 (PTI): A search operation has been initiated to locate two to three terrorists hiding in a forested region of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, according to officials.

The cordon and search effort comes after an encounter erupted between terrorists and security forces in the densely forested Kanzal Mandu area of the Kuchal-Chatroo belt on Wednesday night.

This operation is being supported by drones and sniffer dogs, with additional reinforcements strengthening the cordon.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that one terrorist may have been injured in the ongoing gunbattle.

The encounter began when police, aided by the Army and CRPF, launched a cordon and search operation in the Kuchal area of Chatroo around 7:45 PM on Wednesday, following intelligence about the presence of terrorists.

According to the officials, the terrorists opened fire upon noticing the search parties, resulting in a gunfight which was still ongoing at the time of the last reports.

Reinforcements have been dispatched to maintain a tight cordon and neutralize the terrorists, who are reportedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit.

Reports indicate that top terrorists Saifullah and Adil are believed to be operating in the district's hilly terrain.

This marks the second encounter in the Jammu region within the past week.

On June 26, a Pakistan-based JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces, while three of his associates managed to escape into the forested Basantgarh belt of Udhampur district.