A high-stakes counter-terrorism mission, Operation Trashi, is underway in the Chhatru area of Kishtwar district as Indian security forces confront a group of terrorists believed to be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The joint operation by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was launched in the early hours of Thursday following credible intelligence on terrorist movement.
Contact with the suspected terrorists was made at around 3:29 AM IST in the Singhpora area of Chatroo. Initial reports indicate the presence of at least five militants, possibly divided into two groups, with ties to Saifullah, a known JeM commander. Reinforcements from the CRPF and Indian Army have secured the area, and a tight cordon has been established to prevent any escape.
The encounter follows the April 2025 terrorist attack near Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, predominantly Hindu tourists. That attack, blamed on JeM, triggered a robust military response including Operation Sindoor, during which India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision missile strikes. Operation Trashi is seen as a continuation of these efforts to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure.
Kishtwar’s challenging terrain and forested cover have long made it a hotspot for militant activity. The district’s location near key infiltration routes has historically facilitated terrorist movement. Earlier this year, the Indian security apparatus successfully conducted Operations Nader and Keller in the region, eliminating six militants. Operation Trashi represents a further escalation in India’s push to root out residual terrorist cells.
Jaish-e-Mohammed, formed in 2000, has been at the forefront of anti-India militancy. The group, reportedly supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been responsible for major terror incidents including the 2019 Pulwama attack. Intelligence sources suggest that the May 7 Operation Sindoor strikes may have dealt a severe blow to the group’s leadership, killing several top operatives, including Abdul Rauf Azhar, brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar.
Local residents have been asked to remain indoors as the encounter continues. The Indian Army has reiterated that all measures are being taken to ensure civilian safety while engaging the militants. Security forces remain on high alert amid concerns of further infiltration attempts and retaliatory strikes.
As tensions continue to rise along the Line of Control and within Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Trashi underscores the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-backed terror outfits and India’s sustained efforts to neutralize them. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently affirmed that India reserves the right to respond decisively to any act of terror, reinforcing New Delhi’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism.
