J&K news: Soldier killed amid ongoing terrorist encounter in Kishtwar

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Singhpora, Chatroo, continues for the second day. One soldier has lost his life during the operation in Kishtwar.

“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,” White Knight Corps stated.

The encounter started in the early hours after security forces set-up the contact with terrorists in the Chhatru area. The Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed the exchange of fire in the area. "Exchange of fire started between Security Forces and terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chhatru in Kishtwar," the Jammu and Kashmir Police stated in a brief statement.

Earlier, Army officials confirmed the deployment of additional troops to the region in support of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation, which is focussed on neutralising militants in hiding.

Security forces have sealed off the area and ramped up search efforts, with reinforcements in place to uphold containment measures. Further information regarding the number of terrorists involved and the current progress of the operation is still awaited.

6 terrorists neutralised in 48 hours as part of two operations

Inspector General of Police for Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, on May 16, stated that six terrorists were neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir under two separate operations in Kelar, Shopian and Tral which the Indian Army conducted while teaming up with Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (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," the IGP Kashmir mentioned.

The Indian forces have strengthened their operation against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed lives of 26 people.

(With inputs from PTI)