Jammu, Jan 30: Security forces on Friday stepped up anti-terror operations in the snowbound Chatroo area of Kishtwar district to track and eliminate three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed to be hiding in the region, officials said.
To prevent misuse of communication during the operation, mobile internet services remain suspended within a six-kilometre radius of Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo. The restriction, first imposed on January 23, has been extended till 11:59 pm on January 30 under orders issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department.
The ongoing operation was launched on January 18 after intelligence inputs, triggering a fierce encounter in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora. One Army paratrooper was killed and seven soldiers sustained injuries in the gunfight. The terrorists managed to escape, taking advantage of dense forest cover, difficult terrain and heavy snowfall exceeding two feet.
Subsequent encounters were reported at Mali Dana top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25, but the militants again slipped deeper into the forest, officials said.
Meanwhile, security forces have also initiated a search operation in Pajja Morh, Nabana top and adjoining areas of Surankote in Poonch district following information about the movement of two suspected persons. No contact had been established till last reports, and operations are continuing.
The internet suspension was ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, to avert any threat to public order during the ongoing security operations. (Agencies)
