Jammu–Kashmir Encounter: One Injured Soldier Succumbs, Search for 3 Jaish Terrorists Continues for Second Day

The intense anti-terror operation in Jammu–Kashmir’s Kishtwar district entered its second day on Monday, as security forces continued sweeping the dense forest belts to track down three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists believed to be hiding in the region.

One soldier dies after being critically injured

A day after eight soldiers were injured in the fierce gunfight on Sunday, one of the critically wounded jawans — identified as Havaldar Gajendra Singh — succumbed to his injuries during treatment on Monday morning. His death has added a sombre note to a search operation that has now intensified with reinforcements, drones, and thermal-imaging surveillance.

How the encounter began

The confrontation erupted when a joint team of the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police launched a cordon-and-search mission in the rugged upper Kishtwar region following inputs about the presence of heavily armed militants linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.

As forces approached a suspected hideout deep in the forested zone, terrorists opened fire, triggering a prolonged firefight. The difficult terrain, steep slopes, and dense canopy made the encounter exceptionally challenging.

Search operation resumes at sunrise

Fresh visuals on Monday morning showed armoured vehicles and assault teams re-entering the forest, launching a renewed combing mission. Additional troops have been deployed, and the operation perimeter has been expanded to prevent any possible escape routes for the terrorists.

Security officials believe the three militants may be carrying sophisticated weapons and have detailed knowledge of the terrain, making the manhunt more complex.

Increased alert across the region

Following the encounter, security has been strengthened across sensitive pockets of the district. Intercepts and intelligence indicate that this group may have recently infiltrated the area.

Authorities have appealed to residents of nearby villages to remain indoors and report any suspicious movement.

Operation likely to continue

Senior officials indicated that the operation may continue for several more hours — or even days — depending on the terrorists’ location and movement.

This is one of the biggest anti-terror action zones in the region in recent months, highlighting the continuing challenge of tracking down small, highly mobile militant groups operating in remote mountain belts.