Kishtwar, Feb 22: A high-profile counter-terrorism operation in Kishtwar’s Chatroo sector resulted in the death of three terrorists, including a notorious commander identified as Saifulla. The joint operation, involving the Army’s 2 Para and Jammu and Kashmir Police, successfully targeted a hideout in the Passerkut forest area on Sunday morning.
The mission was launched after specific intelligence indicated the presence of a JeM cell operating in the high-altitude terrain. A senior security official declared that Saifulla was a key strategist for the outfit who had consistently eluded capture in the past. “The neutralization of this commander and two of his associates marks a vital success for the security grid in this sector,” the official asserted.
The Army’s White Knight Corps maintained that the operation was a multi-agency effort, with the CRPF providing additional support for the cordon. Officials stated that the firefight began shortly after the joint teams established contact with the armed group. “The area was immediately sealed, and a precise tactical engagement followed to minimize risks to our personnel,” an official source affirmed.
As the operation enters its final phase, security teams have started retrieving the bodies and recovering arms and ammunition from the site. Authorities maintained that the presence of such high-level leadership in the Kishtwar forests suggests attempts to revive local militant activity, which has been effectively countered by today’s action. The police asserted that the search of the dense forest patch will continue until the entire zone is declared safe.
