Paratrooper Injured as Fresh Gunfight Erupts Between Security Forces and Terrorists in J&K’s Kishtwar

A paratrooper was injured and evacuated for treatment after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Wednesday, officials said.

The gunfight began early in the morning in the Chhatru area after the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army launched a joint operation based on intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the region. During the search, terrorists opened fire, triggering a gun battle.

The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the operation on X (formerly Twitter), posting:
“In an intelligence-based operation, launched in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police early this morning, alert troops of the White Knight Corps established contact with terrorists in the general area of Chhatru. The operation is in progress.”

The injured soldier, a paratrooper, was airlifted to a hospital in Udhampur for treatment. His condition remains unknown.

Kishtwar Sees Spike in Encounters

The district has seen at least six encounters in the past seven months as security forces continue intensified operations against Pakistan-based terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Kishtwar, Doda and adjoining districts.

• Sept 21 & Sept 13: Two encounters in Chhatru, including one that killed two Army personnel.

• Aug 11 & July 2: Gunfights in Dul and Chhatru; terrorists managed to escape.

• May 22: One soldier and two terrorists killed in Chhatru.

• April 12: Three terrorists killed in Kishtwar; infiltration attempt foiled in Akhnoor.

Security officials say the terrain, dense forests and proximity to the Pir Panjal range continue to make the region a key zone for enemy infiltration and militant hideouts.

The ongoing operation in Chhatru is still active, with additional forces deployed and drone surveillance in use. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of terrorists involved.