Encounter Breaks Out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar: Security Forces Engage Terrorists

On July 20, 2025, a fierce encounter erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, intensifying concerns about militant activity in the region. The ongoing operation, which began on Sunday afternoon, has heightened tensions in the Chenab Valley, a region that has seen a resurgence of terror-related incidents in recent months. Here’s a detailed look at the incident, its context, and its implications.

The Encounter: What Happened?

The gunfight broke out in the Khankoo forest, located between Dachhan and Nagseni, following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. A joint operation, involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Kishtwar, was launched to track down the suspected militants. As security forces conducted a cordon-and-search operation in the dense forest, the hiding terrorists opened fire, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire.

Initial reports suggest that two to three terrorists, possibly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group, are trapped in the area. The operation, which has seen no reported casualties so far, continues with additional reinforcements deployed to tighten the cordon and prevent the militants from escaping. The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the encounter, stating, “Based on specific inputs, an operation was launched in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar Sector. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress.”

The forested terrain of Dachhan, coupled with its remote location, poses significant challenges for the security forces. Drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed to aid the operation, with the area fully sealed off to ensure the terrorists cannot slip away.

Context of the Incident

The encounter comes amid heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region, which has witnessed a spike in militant activities in 2025. Kishtwar, part of the Chenab Valley, has been a focal point for such incidents. Just weeks earlier, on July 2, another encounter in the Kanzal Mandu area of Chatroo saw security forces engage two to three JeM-linked terrorists, with unconfirmed reports of one militant being injured.

This incident follows a deadly attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, where 26 people, including tourists and a local, were killed in a terror strike. The Kishtwar encounter also occurs in the wake of earlier operations in the region, such as the May 22–23 encounter in Singhpora, Chatroo, where one Indian Army soldier was killed and two terrorists were neutralized.

The Jammu region has seen a troubling rise in terror incidents this year, with 14 security personnel and 11 civilians killed in separate attacks, according to reports. Security forces have neutralized 10 terrorists in the region in 2024, indicating an intensified counter-terrorism effort. The Dachhan encounter is part of ongoing operations like Operation Trashi and Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terror networks in the region.

Security Forces’ Response

The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have adopted a coordinated approach to counter militancy in Kishtwar. The joint operation in Dachhan reflects a strategy of acting on precise intelligence to preempt attacks. The White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, has been actively involved in these efforts, with posts on X emphasizing their commitment to neutralizing the threat.

Security forces have also increased vigilance across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of significant events, such as the Amarnath Yatra, which began shortly after a similar encounter in Kishtwar on July 2. The region’s dense forests and rugged terrain provide cover for militants, making such operations complex and high-risk.

Inspector General of Police for Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, recently highlighted the success of coordinated operations, noting that six terrorists were neutralized in Shopian and Tral on May 16, 2025. These efforts underscore a broader strategy to curb militancy through intensified intelligence-based operations.

Implications and Broader Context

The Kishtwar encounter highlights the persistent challenge of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region, which was once considered relatively peaceful compared to the Kashmir Valley. The resurgence of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Kashmir Tigers, a JeM proxy, has raised concerns about the region becoming a new epicenter of violence.

The timing of the encounter, just before the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections on September 25, 2025, adds a layer of complexity. Security forces have ramped up operations to ensure safety during the polls, with additional troops deployed across Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts. The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Doda on September 14, 2024, for an election rally underscores the region’s strategic importance.

Critics, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns about the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), arguing it enables human rights violations. However, the Indian Army maintains that 95% of such allegations are false and that 104 personnel have faced punishment for violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Looking Ahead

As the Dachhan operation continues, security forces remain on high alert, with the goal of neutralizing the trapped terrorists and preventing further attacks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, where dense forests and cross-border militancy continue to pose threats.

For residents of Kishtwar, the encounter has heightened tensions, with the local administration maintaining close oversight. The outcome of this operation could influence public perception of security measures and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies in the region.

The bravery of security personnel, who operate in challenging conditions, remains critical to maintaining stability. As the situation develops, further updates from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army will provide clarity on the operation’s outcome and its impact on the region’s security landscape.

Sources: India Today, Times of India, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, LiveMint, ANI, Times Now, PTI, OsintTV.