Ongoing encounter between forces and terrorists enters second day in J&K's Kishtwar

NEW DELHI: An encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district continued for the second day, with the Army confirming that one soldier died during the operation.The White Knight Corps posted on X, saying, "During the ongoing operation, fierce gunfight is continuing. One of our Brave hearts sustained grievous injuries in the exchange of fire and has succumbed despite best medical efforts. Operation is in progress."The exchange of fire started early in the morning after security personnel made contact with the terrorists. The Jammu and Kashmir Police also confirmed the gunfight, saying, "Exchange of fire started between Security Forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chhatru in Kishtwar."Additional troops have been deployed to the region to support the ongoing operation, which aims to locate and neutralise the terrorists. The area has been sealed off and search efforts have been increased. Reinforcements have been brought in to maintain containment.Details regarding the number of terrorists and the current situation are still awaited.This encounter follows recent operations in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. On May 16, inspector general of Police for Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, said that six terrorists were killed in two separate encounters in Kelar, Shopian and Tral. These were joint operations by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF."In the wake of heightened terror activities in Kashmir Valley, all the security forces deployed here reviewed their strategies. Following this review, there was an intensified focus on operations. On the basis of this intensified focus and coordination, we conducted two successful operations in the last 48 hours during which we had significant achievement. These two operations were conducted in the Kelar in Shopian and Tral areas, which resulted in the neutralisation of a total of six terrorists.We are committed to finish the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley," Birdi said.The counter-terror actions have increased after the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed. Security forces have since stepped up operations across the Union Territory.