One terrorist killed in fresh encounter in J&K’s Kishtwar

Recent military and police operations in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir have kept security forces active in their efforts to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure safety for local residents. Multiple encounters have taken place over the past months, with forces consistently working to neutralize militants and prevent attacks. The first reported incident occurred on January 18, 2026, when an encounter in the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar resulted in the death of an Army paratrooper. Seven other soldiers were also injured during this operation. A few days later, on January 19, 2026, in the Singpura area of Kishtwar, an Army havildar was killed during Operation Trashi-I. These incidents show ongoing efforts to combat insurgent activities in the region. On January 23, 2026, security forces engaged in a fresh encounter in the Chingam forest area of Kishtwar. During this operation, they neutralized one terrorist. These encounters highlight the persistent threat posed by militant groups operating within the district. Earlier, on May 22, 2025, during a gunfight in the Singhpora area of Chatroo, one Army soldier was killed, and two terrorists were eliminated. Similarly, in April 2025, security forces neutralized terrorists multiple times. An encounter on April 11, 2025, in the Chatru forest area resulted in the death of one terrorist. Two days later, on April 13, three terrorists associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in the Zinpather Keller area of Shopian district. Kishtwar district has seen frequent security operations over the years. On May 22, 2025, terrorists linked with the Jaish-e-Mohammed group were also killed in Pulwama district’s Nadir village during a separate encounter. These combined efforts aim to disrupt militant activities and prevent potential attacks. Over the past few years, the security situation has remained tense. On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, emphasizing the ongoing threat in the region. In September 2025, Operation Guddar in Guddar area of Kulgam district led to the killing of two terrorists, further demonstrating military efforts to combat militancy. Kishtwar and neighboring districts have seen continued security operations, with forces often engaging militants in forested areas and remote regions. These operations are part of broader efforts by Indian security agencies to maintain peace and combat terrorism. The security forces have also suffered casualties over the years. In May 2020, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma lost his life during an encounter in Handwara. In 2017, Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat was killed in Tral, while in 2018, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani was martyred during an encounter in Anantnag. These incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by security personnel in their efforts to ensure peace. As of 2026, there has been no official confirmation regarding the neutralization of a terrorist in a recent encounter in Kishtwar. This underscores the continued need for vigilance and ongoing operations to address the threat posed by militants in the region. Security remains a top priority for authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in districts like Kishtwar where insurgent activities tend to fluctuate. The operations are part of a larger, sustained effort to improve safety, disrupt militant networks, and restore normalcy to the area. The situation continues to evolve, and security agencies remain alert to any emerging threats.