Security Forces Intensify ‘Operation Trashi-I’ in Kishtwar to Neutralize Trapped Terrorists

Kishtwar January 19,2026 : Following a brief overnight suspension due to treacherous terrain and poor visibility, security forces resumed a massive search operation early Monday morning to track down a group of terrorists hiding in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district.

The mission, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, was initially launched on Sunday in Sonnar village near the Mandral-Singhpora area of the Chatroo belt. The operation saw an intense initial engagement that left eight soldiers injured, most of whom sustained splinter wounds following a sudden grenade attack launched by the hiding militants.

The search efforts are currently concentrated in a geographically challenging zone characterized by steep slopes and dense vegetation. To ensure no escape routes remain open, a joint task force comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary units has established a tight security cordon.

Officials believe that two to three terrorists, likely affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), are trapped within the perimeter. While high-tech surveillance tools like drones and specialized sniffer dogs are being utilized to navigate the thick foliage, officials confirmed that no fresh contact or firing has been reported since the operation resumed at first light.

Security across the region has been significantly heightened in the lead-up to Republic Day, as intelligence reports suggest desperate attempts by cross-border handlers to infiltrate terrorists and disrupt peace.