Paratrooper killed in Kishtwar gunfight, hideout busted
Jammu, Jan 19: An Army paratrooper was killed during the gunfight with the terrorists in the treacherous heights during the ongoing counter-terrorist operation in the Son Nar forest stretch of Chhatru area in Kishtwar, which entered its second day on Monday.
The Army said that the soldier, Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, succumbed to injuries sustained during the operation. However, there was no report of fresh exchange of gunfire between the security forces and terrorists on day two as the security forces resumed ‘Operation Trashi-I’, which began on Sunday afternoon, leaving eight soldiers injured.
White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said that “Operation Trashi-I” continued in the general area of Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru.
“The cordon has been further tightened with search operations expanded. The troops of White Knight Corps, along with J&K Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), remain deployed to dominate the area,” it posted on its official ‘X’ handle.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps and all ranks paid solemn tribute to Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, who “made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a Counter Terrorism operation in the Singhpura area during the ongoing Operation Trashi-I on the night of January 19, 2026.”
“We honour his indomitable courage, valour, and selfless devotion to duty and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of profound grief,” the Corps posted in its tribute on ‘X’.
The gunfight erupted after the security forces came under heavy fire and grenade attack by the terrorists during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Son Nar forest stretch on Sunday afternoon.
A group of two to three terrorists was engaged in the gunfire in the ‘Operation Trashi’, being led by the personnel from Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and para special forces along with J&K Police and other security agencies.
Though officially no statement was issued, the sources said that eight soldiers sustained injuries in the grenade attack by the terrorists.
Amid heavy exchange of fire, reinforcement, well equipped with advanced surveillance equipment, drones and a dog squad, was rushed to the encounter site to further strengthen the cordon.
Given the difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions, the fire was paused late Sunday evening yet cordon was further bolstered.
On Monday morning, intensive search operations were launched in the area to hunt down the hiding terrorists, believed to be affiliated with Jaish-e-Muhammad.
In a related development, during the search operation, the security forces busted a terrorist hideout, located at an altitude of 12,000 feet, in the Singhpora area of Chhatru forests.
Officials said that the hideout, with multiple entry and exit points, with a carrying capacity of three to four terrorists at a time, was well equipped with LPG, desi ghee, cereals, other eatables, and blankets.
The encounter on Sunday afternoon erupted when the security forces, conducting a search operation following inputs as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations in the treacherous stretches of Chhatru, came under heavy volume of fire from the terrorists.
Security forces responded in equal measure, ensuing fierce exchange of fire.
“Contact was established with terrorists in the general area Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations along with @JmuKmrPolice. Troops displayed exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions,” White Knight Corps posted on Sunday. “Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies.”
In November 2025, an Army paratrooper sustained injuries in an encounter in the Kalaban forests of Chhatru, while in April 2025, three terrorists were neutralised during an intense gunfight in Chhatru.
Meanwhile, a search operation was launched by the security forces in the Ghagwal area of Samba district following inputs about suspicious movement on Monday.
The entire Jammu region, which is already on high alert, is witnessing multiple search operations in different areas as precautionary measures ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
