Operation Cherji: Intense Encounter Unfolds in Kishtwar Amid Hunt for Terrorists Linked to Past Attacks
An intense clash erupted in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar on Sunday during "Operation Cherji," an initiative by the Indian Army prompted by specific intelligence reports concerning the presence of terrorists. This operation is part of an intensified effort to counter terrorist activities throughout the Jammu region, particularly in areas south of the Pir Panjal range.
According to a social media post by the Army’s White Knight Corps, contact with the terrorists had been established, and the operation was in progress. This development is part of a broader crackdown on terror networks in the area following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including several tourists.
Officials have disclosed that the 2–3 terrorists involved in the Kishtwar encounter might be connected to prior incidents, including the fatal attacks on a Village Defence Guard and an Army soldier. Security forces have been trailing this group since 2024, having recently pinpointed their location using night-vision surveillance and terrain tracking techniques.
The operation is a continuation of security efforts following the June 26 elimination of leading Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Haider, also known as Maulvi, in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur. His associates, who managed to flee during that operation, are suspected to have sought refuge in the dense forest regions like Hadal Gal.
Supported by local police, security forces are carrying out relentless searches, with senior officers keeping a close watch on the proceedings. The rugged terrain and thick vegetation of the region present significant challenges but also highlight the strategic importance of these missions.
No casualties have been reported so far as the operation and search efforts continue. The Army is determined to eliminate remaining threats and ensure lasting security in the Jammu division.
