An intense encounter broke out in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar on Sunday as part of “Operation Cherji,” launched by the Indian Army following specific intelligence inputs about terrorist presence. The operation is part of heightened counter-terror efforts across the Jammu region, particularly south of the Pir Panjal range.
The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the engagement in a social media post, stating that contact had been established with the terrorists and that the operation was ongoing. This comes amid a wider crackdown on terror networks in the region following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including several tourists.
Officials revealed that the group of 2–3 terrorists involved in the Kishtwar encounter may be linked to earlier attacks, including the killings of a Village Defence Guard (VDG) and an Army soldier in separate incidents. Security forces have been pursuing this group since 2024 and had recently narrowed down their location using night-vision surveillance and terrain tracking.
The current operation follows the June 26 killing of top Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Haider, also known as Maulvi, in Udhampur’s Dudu-Basantgarh area. His associates, who escaped during that operation, are believed to have taken refuge in dense forest zones like Hadal Gal.
Security forces, supported by local police, are conducting round-the-clock searches, with senior officers monitoring the operation closely. The region’s rugged terrain, coupled with thick vegetation, poses challenges but also underscores the strategic importance of such missions.
No casualties have been reported so far as the search and engagement continue. The Army remains committed to neutralizing remaining threats and restoring lasting security in the Jammu division.
