Amid heightened counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army on Saturday reaffirmed its determination to continue anti-terror efforts across the region until all threats are neutralized.
“Until terrorists are eliminated, the operations will go on,” said Shridhar Patil, DIG of the Kishtwar-Doda-Ramban range, during a press briefing. He also acknowledged the strong support of local residents and praised the coordination among various security agencies.
The statement came following the neutralization of three Pakistani terrorists in the Kishtwar district—two on Saturday and one the previous day—during a joint security operation.
Brigadier JBS Rathi, Commander of 5 Sector Assam Rifles, highlighted the strategic use of real-time surveillance through UAVs and drones in the ongoing operations. “The joint operation launched on April 9 involved the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF. Real-time aerial surveillance played a crucial role,” he said.
The Brigadier also emphasized the seamless cooperation between the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Special Operations Group (SOG), noting that rapid reinforcements and Special Forces were deployed with air support from the Indian Air Force.
The encounter, which broke out in the Chhatru forest area of Kishtwar on April 9, has continued for four days and remains active. It began after specific intelligence led to a coordinated search-and-destroy mission in the region spanning Kishtwar and Udhampur districts.
DIG Patil confirmed that some terrorists remain trapped and that the operation will persist until they are completely eliminated. “Details of ongoing operations cannot be disclosed at this stage, but the mission will continue,” he added.
The Army’s White Knight Corps also confirmed the operation on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Op Chhatru: Based on specific intelligence, a joint search and destroy operation along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched on April 9 in the Chhatru forest, Kishtwar. Contact was established late evening on the same day.”
The ongoing mission reflects intensified efforts by security forces to maintain peace and dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
