Jammu Tawi, April 11: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar on Friday complimented the troops for their swift action in neutralising a terrorist in Kishtwar, and reiterated the army’s commitment to keeping the region free of terror.
One terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Friday, while a combing operation is underway in Udhampur district, army officials said.
“Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, commends the White Knight Corps for their swift action and precise execution in neutralising one terrorist in the ongoing operation in Kishtwar,” the Northern Command said in a post on X.
“The Indian Army stands by its commitment to keep Jammu and Kashmir terror-free,” Lt Gen Kumar said.
According to the White Knight Corps, the encounter occurred during a search-and-destroy operation jointly launched by the army and police in the Chatru forest area of Kishtwar district.
During the operation, the security forces made contact with the terrorists.
“The terrorists were effectively engaged, leading to a gunfight. One terrorist has been neutralised so far,” the White Knight Corps, or 16 Corps, posted on X.
Search operations are also underway in the Jopher-Marta forest area in Udhampur district, officials said.
Equipped with sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance, multiple security teams are combing the entire forest area to track down three terrorists believed to be hiding there.
Police and security forces have been monitoring terrorist movements in these hilly areas for the past 19 days, during which five encounters have taken place — three in Kathua, one in Udhampur, and one in Kishtwar district.
Two terrorists and four policemen were killed, while three cops including a DSP were injured, in an encounter on March 27.
Security has been beefed up along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, with increased frisking of people and vehicle checks, officials said.
Army beefs up security along Jmu-Sgr NH
Jammu Tawi: To curb terrorist activities and secure critical transit routes, the Army has intensified its deployment and surveillance along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
According to Army officials, the initiative aims to disrupt terrorist logistics, including the transportation of war-like stores (WLS) and the unauthorised movement through the region.
“Day and night patrolling by Army units has been scaled up, covering vulnerable stretches and strategic choke points along the highway. In coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), joint Mobile Vehicle Check Posts (MVCPs) have been established at multiple locations. These MVCPs serve as dynamic security checkpoints, conducting surprise checks and increasing operational unpredictability for potential threats,” the Army said.
To further strengthen highway security, the latest surveillance and screening technologies have been deployed, including advanced vehicle scanners, AI-based facial recognition and identification system, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems at key junctions and entry-exit points.
“These technologies provide real-time data and enable prompt identification of suspicious vehicles and individuals, significantly boosting the capability to intercept threats before they materialise,” officials said. They added that the “multi-layered approach has already shown promising results, with several suspicious movements thwarted in recent weeks.”
“The enhanced presence and technology infusion have created a strong deterrent effect, making it increasingly difficult for terrorist elements to exploit NH-44 for their operations. The Indian Army’s proactive posture, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and aided by cutting-edge technology, underscores its commitment to maintaining peace and thwarting insurgent designs in the Union Territory. These measures are expected to further isolate and neutralise terrorist networks attempting to use the region’s infrastructure for unlawful activities,” officials said.
