Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Jan 19, 2026: Security forces busted a major hideout of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district, where an encounter had taken place between security forces and terrorists on January 18, 2026.
The encounter occurred at an altitude of around 12,000 feet and led to the martyrdom of one soldier, while several other security personnel sustained injuries during the operation.
During the subsequent search and sanitisation operation, security forces recovered a well-established terrorist hideout indicating long-term usage. The hideout was strategically carved in difficult mountainous terrain to evade detection.
Security forces recovered eatables, gas cylinders, desi ghee, cereals, blankets and other essential supplies from the hideout. Officials said the arrangements were sufficient for more than four terrorists to stay at any given point of time.
The recovery of such a large quantity of logistics suggests that the hideout was being used as a major base by terrorists to survive in harsh weather conditions and plan their activities in the upper reaches of the district.
Search operations have been intensified in the surrounding areas to ensure that no other terrorists or hideouts remain in the region. Security forces reiterated their resolve to eliminate terrorism from the area and paid tribute to the martyred soldier.
