An Indian Army soldier was killed and seven others were injured in an encounter with militants during a search operation in the Singhpora area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have continued the operation and enforced tight security across the area.
The encounter began on Sunday and continued into Monday without interruption. Security agencies suspect that two to three militants are trapped in the area.
According to officials, specific intelligence inputs indicated the presence of militants near Sonar village in Mandral Singhpora, under the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district. Based on this information, a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces launched a search operation.
As the security forces approached the suspected location, militants who were already positioned there opened fire, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire from both sides. During the encounter, one Indian Army soldier lost his life, while seven others sustained injuries and were evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, security arrangements were tightened across the region, and the search operation remained ongoing. The terrain in the area is difficult, with dense vegetation, high mountains, and steep slopes posing operational challenges.
Due to low visibility late Sunday night, the operation was temporarily halted, and the area was cordoned off to maintain surveillance on the militants. With daylight on Monday, the search operation was intensified.
To prevent the militants from escaping, security forces deployed drones for aerial surveillance and used sniffer dogs to conduct detailed searches of forested and mountainous routes. Officials said a strict security cordon has been established.
Security agencies believe the militants involved are linked to the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. According to inputs, two to three militants were hiding in the area.
After the encounter, an alert was issued in nearby villages. Local authorities advised residents to remain indoors and avoid rumours. Officials said the operation is being carried out with caution to ensure civilian safety.
Authorities stated that there has been no fresh contact with the militants so far, but the search operation continues, with all possible hideouts being thoroughly searched.
