3 terrorists killed in Chhatroo encounter: Army

Jammu, Apr 12: Army Saturday asserted that certain security measures instituted, after learning lessons from the past, ensured clean operation with “zero casualty to own troops” while neutralising three terrorists in ongoing ‘Chhatroo encounter.’

Citing a few measures – rapid force response capabilities, technological integration and inter-agency seamless coordination put in place in the operation, Brigadier JVS Rathi, Commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles stated that some other measures could not be shared due to “operational constraints.”

He was addressing a joint press briefing with Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) range, Shridhar Patil in Kishtwar.

Both the officers affirmed that as long as all the terrorists present in the area were not eliminated, the operation would continue.

The officers said that the identification of terrorists would be ascertained during investigation while the White Knight Corps stated that two more Pakistani terrorists were eliminated, thus taking the number of neutralized terrorists to three.

In the morning, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army on ‘X’, said, “In the ongoing operation at Chhatru, Kishtwar despite bad and inclement weather, two more Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated. A large quantity of war-like stores including one AK and one M4 rifle have been recovered. Operations are in progress.”

Brigadier Rathi and DIG Patil asserted that the safety of civilians was the topmost priority for the security forces engaged in operations in treacherous conditions.

“However, the troops displayed great tactical acumen, professionalism and swiftness in the operation and ensured the safety of civilians and zero casualty to own troops,” Brigadier Rathi said.

DIG Patil also lauded perfect synergy among the Indian Army, JKP, CRPF and other security forces engaged in the operation, describing it as “unique and exemplary.”

He also lauded the local populace for its unflinching cooperation, saying, “The civilians have throughout given overwhelming support to the security forces engaged in the operation.”

While giving an overview of the operations going on in 11 Rashtriya Rifles area of responsibility, Brigadier Rathi said that the ongoing “Operation Chhatroo” was launched on specific, credible intelligence inputs on April 9 by joint teams of Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF in the dense forests of Kishtwar to nab the group of terrorists.

“In the ensuing gun battle (fire-fight) three terrorists were neutralized despite the weather and nighttime challenges. The troops displayed great professionalism and acumen. The security of the civilians was of our topmost priority and the same was maintained in the execution of this operation,” he said.

Brigadier Rathi said that the operation also brought to the fore the seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the JKP, especially the SOG.

“Rapid reinforcements were deployed in terms of the special forces with the help of the Indian Air Force. To carry out real-time surveillance of the area, UAVs, drones, and other equipment were deployed basically to ensure that the terrorists did not escape from the area. This operation reaffirms the commitment of the Indian Army to maintain peace and stability in south Jammu (region), especially in the Pir Panjal area,” he said.

“I would like to mention that certain security measures have been instituted in terms of the rapid force response capabilities, technological integration and inter-agency seamless coordination to maintain peace and stability in the region. I would like to thank the White Knight Corps and the GOC Delta Force for their guidance and support,” Brigadier said.

Appreciating “perfect synergy among all forces engaged in the operation,” DIG Patil said, “Such synergy will continue even in future. All those inimical elements, who will come here to spread terror or engage in terrorist activities, will have to meet their death.”

Responding to a query about the killed terrorists’ identity, DIG said, “The identity of the terrorists killed will be done during the investigation. Once the identity is ascertained, it will be shared with the media. Right now, we are not at a stage where we can confirm the identification of anyone (out of slain terrorists).”

“The number does not matter whosoever comes with the aim of disturbing peace in the territory in the region will be neutralized,” Brigadier Rathi said, in response to a query about the number of terrorists or groups operating in the area.

Patil too endorsed his statement.

Regarding recoveries, DIG said, “As earlier shared, one M4 rifle, one AK series rifle besides other arms and ammunition have been recovered. Recoveries are in the final stage of listing. Once it is done, it will be shared.”

Did the security forces come across any element of local support to terrorists in terms of logistics, food, shelter or otherwise, DIG Patil, responding to this question, said, “It is a matter of investigation. Such things will come to the fore, once the investigation gets completed.”

Confronted with a query related to a higher number of casualties suffered by the security forces during recent anti-terrorist operations, Brigadier Rathi said, “Learning lessons from the past, certain security measures have been instituted which led to zero casualties to own troops while neutralising three terrorists in Operation Chhatroo. Some measures I have already spelt out while few others due to operational constraints, we cannot share.”

“But I want to reiterate that this is the Indian Army’s firm resolve to neutralise all the terrorists,” he said.

Did the security forces come across any element of local support to terrorists in terms of logistics, food, shelter or otherwise, DIG Patil, responding to this question, said, “It is a matter of investigation. Such things will come to the fore, once the investigation gets completed.”