Kishtwar, Jan 18, KNT: A gunfight broke out on Sunday in the Singpora area of Kishtwar district after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation following specific inputs about the presence of armed men in the locality.
Official sources said that joint teams of the Army, police, and paramilitary forces moved into the forested village early in the day and established a tight cordon. As the search operation intensified, the forces came under fire, triggering an exchange of gunshots.
Sources indicated that three militants affiliated with the Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit are believed to be trapped in the area. One of them is suspected to be a senior operative, often referred to by officials as a “big fish,” though no formal confirmation has been issued so far.
📢 8,000+ readers already joined for instant Kashmir News Trust updates
The encounter is taking place in a difficult terrain surrounded by dense vegetation, prompting security agencies to proceed cautiously. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot to prevent any escape and to maintain the security perimeter.
Authorities have advised locals to stay indoors and avoid movement near the encounter site until the operation concludes. No casualty has been reported on either side at the time of filing this report.
The situation remains tense, with intermittent firing continuing as forces tighten the cordon and attempt to bring the operation to a conclusion. [KNT]
