Security forces intensified their ongoing anti-terror operations in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. In the snowbound Chatroo belt, security personnel have stepped up efforts to track down three holed-up Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, officials said. Mobile internet services remained suspended within a radius of six km, covering Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo, during the ongoing operation until 23:59 hours on Friday, January 30.
The anti-terror operation in the area was launched on January 18 and witnessed a fierce gunbattle in the Sonnar forest near the Mandral–Singhpora area, in which a paratrooper was killed and seven soldiers were injured. The terrorists managed to escape from the encounter zone by taking advantage of thick vegetation and challenging terrain. The security forces, however, did not let the trail go cold and continued their hunt despite more than two feet of snowfall, PTI reported.
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Two more encounters took place between the Army and the terrorists at Mali Dana Top on January 22 and at Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25, forcing the terrorists to slip deep into the forest area.
Mobile internet services were suspended in the area on January 23. The suspension was ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, who is the authorised officer under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024.
The decision was taken to prevent the possible misuse of high-speed mobile data services by anti-national elements, which could lead to deterioration of public order, officials said.
Security forces have also launched a search operation in Pajja Morh, Nabana Top and adjoining areas in the Surankote area of Poonch district following information about the presence of two suspected persons.
There has been no contact with the suspected persons so far, officials said, adding that the operation was continuing when the last reports were received.