Jammu, January 19:
Security forces have resumed a massive search operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, in the rugged upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The move follows a fierce encounter on Sunday that left eight soldiers injured during a confrontation with a holed-up group of foreign terrorists.
The Encounter: Grenade Attack in Sonnar
The gunfight erupted around noon on Sunday in Sonnar village, located in the Chatroo belt northeast of Mandral-Singhpora. A joint search party comprising the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF came under heavy fire while navigating the steep, forested terrain.
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The Ambush: Terrorists, believed to be a group of 2–3 individuals affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), launched a sudden strike using rifle grenades and indiscriminate AK-47 fire.
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Casualties: Eight soldiers sustained injuries, primarily from splinters. Reports indicate that three of the injured were airlifted for specialized medical treatment.
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Night Halt: Due to the dense vegetation, steep slopes, and fading light, the active gunfight was suspended late Sunday night, though a tight cordon was maintained to prevent any escape.
Operation Trashi-I: Status Report
With the first light on Monday, January 19, reinforcements were inducted to strengthen the perimeter. The White Knight Corps (Jammu-based 16 Corps) confirmed that the operation is part of an ongoing joint counter-terror exercise designed to flush out infiltrators.
Current Search Tactics:
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Surveillance: High-tech drones and helicopters are being used to monitor movement in the thick foliage.
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K9 Units: Sniffer dogs have been deployed to track the scent of the hiding terrorists.
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Terrain Challenges: The Chatroo belt is notorious for its treacherous forest tracks and “shooting stones,” making movement slow and dangerous for search parties.
The Larger Security Context
This incident marks the third major encounter in the Jammu region this year, following clashes in the Kathua district earlier this month. Security has been significantly heightened across the Union Territory as Republic Day (January 26) approaches. Jan 7, 2026: (Kahog Forest, Kathua) Encounter during search ops, Jan 13, 2026: (Najote Forest, Kathua) Gunfight with holed-up terrorists and Jan 18-19, 2026: (Chatroo, Kishtwar) Operation Trashi-I: 8 soldiers injured.
Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan-based handlers are making “desperate attempts” to push nearly three dozen terrorists into the Jammu region’s forest belts to disrupt peace. In response, security forces have intensified sanitization exercises and random vehicle frisking at major intersections.
