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1 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Army Re-establishes Contact with Terrorists in Kishtwar, Search Intensified

Security forces re-establish contact with JeM terrorists in Kishtwar.

Army Re-establishes Contact with Terrorists in Kishtwar, Search Intensified

Photo by Jay Openiano

The Army has re-established contact with a group of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists hiding in Kishtwar. This follows an encounter with security forces on January 18, 2026. Operation Trashi-I has been launched to track down the terrorists. Contact was re-established in Dolgam by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force. Intelligence was coordinated to execute the operation. A cordon has been established, and operations are in progress. Lt. General Pratik Sharma reviewed the counter-terrorism grid and operational preparedness in Kishtwar. Security forces have engaged terrorists in gunfights at least three times this month in Kishtwar. Mobile Internet services have been temporarily suspended within a six-kilometer radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo to prevent misuse.

Key Facts

1.

Terror group: Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)

2.

Operation name: Operation Trashi-I

3.

Contact re-established: Dolgam area

4.

Forces involved: Army, J&K Police, CRPF

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas

2.

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on counter-terrorism strategies

Visual Insights

Kishtwar Region: Counter-Terrorism Operations

Map showing Kishtwar and surrounding areas where security forces are conducting counter-terrorism operations against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists. Mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended within a six-kilometer radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo.

Loading interactive map...

📍Kishtwar📍Singhpora📍Chingam📍Chatroo📍Dolgam
More Information

Background

The current security situation in Kishtwar has roots in the broader history of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. The emergence of various militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has contributed to the region's instability. Understanding the origins and objectives of these groups is crucial for analyzing the present context. The security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has evolved significantly since the 1990s. Key milestones include the rise and fall of different militant organizations, changes in cross-border terrorism, and various peace initiatives. The role of the Indian Army and other security forces has been central to maintaining stability and countering insurgency. The legal and constitutional framework governing Jammu and Kashmir has also played a significant role. The application and subsequent abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution have had profound implications for the region's security and political landscape. These changes have led to new challenges and opportunities for maintaining peace and stability.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives focus on strengthening the counter-terrorism grid and enhancing operational preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir. These efforts include improved intelligence gathering, coordinated operations between different security forces, and community engagement programs. The aim is to create a more secure and stable environment for the local population.

Ongoing debates revolve around the effectiveness of different counter-terrorism strategies and the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both security and developmental concerns. Stakeholders include the government, security forces, local communities, and political leaders. Different perspectives exist on the best way to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region.

The future outlook involves continued efforts to counter terrorism, promote development, and strengthen governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Key milestones include upcoming elections, infrastructure projects, and initiatives to promote tourism and economic growth. The goal is to integrate the region more fully into the Indian mainstream and create a brighter future for its residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Operation Trashi-I, and why is it important in the context of the Kishtwar encounter?

Operation Trashi-I is the name given to the security operation launched to track down Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Kishtwar region. It is important because it highlights the ongoing efforts to counter-terrorism and maintain security in the area.

2. For UPSC Prelims, what are the key facts to remember about the recent Kishtwar security operation?

Key facts include: the involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, the name of the operation (Operation Trashi-I), the location of re-established contact (Dolgam area), and the forces involved (Army, J&K Police, CRPF). Also, remember Lt. General Pratik Sharma reviewed the operation.

Exam Tip

Focus on the names of operations and the groups involved. These are frequently asked in Prelims.

3. What is Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and why is its presence in Kishtwar a concern?

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terrorist group. Its presence in Kishtwar is a concern because it indicates continued militant activity and the potential for further security threats in the region. Understanding the origins and objectives of these groups is crucial for analyzing the present context.

4. How does the recent re-establishment of contact with terrorists in Kishtwar impact the common citizens of the region?

The re-establishment of contact with terrorists can lead to increased security measures, temporary suspension of services like mobile internet (as seen with the 6km radius suspension), and a general sense of fear and uncertainty among the population. It disrupts daily life and can hinder economic activities.

5. What role does the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) play in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in areas like Kishtwar?

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) works with the Army and J&K Police in counter-terrorism operations. They assist in maintaining law and order, conducting search operations, and providing security to the local population. Their coordinated effort is crucial for effective counter-terrorism.

6. What are the recent developments regarding government initiatives to strengthen the counter-terrorism grid in Jammu and Kashmir?

Recent government initiatives focus on strengthening the counter-terrorism grid through improved intelligence gathering, coordinated operations between different security forces, and community engagement programs. The aim is to create a more secure and stable environment.

7. What is the significance of Lt. General Pratik Sharma's review of the counter-terrorism grid in Kishtwar?

Lt. General Pratik Sharma's review indicates the high-level attention and importance given to the security situation in Kishtwar. It ensures that the counter-terrorism strategies are effective and that operational preparedness is maintained.

8. What are the potential long-term solutions to address the issue of militancy in the Kishtwar region?

While the provided text focuses on immediate security measures, long-term solutions often involve addressing the root causes of militancy, such as socio-economic factors, promoting education and employment, and fostering community engagement to build trust and resilience against extremist ideologies. These are not explicitly mentioned in the text.

9. What is the historical background of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, and how does it relate to the current situation in Kishtwar?

The current security situation in Kishtwar has roots in the broader history of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. The emergence of various militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has contributed to the region's instability. Understanding the origins and objectives of these groups is crucial for analyzing the present context.

10. What is the radius for which mobile internet services were temporarily suspended, and what does this indicate about the security situation?

Mobile internet services were temporarily suspended within a six-kilometer radius covering Singhpora, Chingam. This indicates the authorities' concern about potential misuse of internet services by terrorists for communication or spreading misinformation, highlighting the sensitivity of the security situation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): 1. The CRPF is the largest Central Armed Police Force in India. 2. The CRPF primarily assists state/UTs Police in maintaining Law and Order and Internal Security. 3. The CRPF comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The CRPF is indeed the largest Central Armed Police Force in India. Statement 2 is CORRECT: A primary role of the CRPF is to assist state/UTs police in maintaining law and order and internal security. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The CRPF comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence. Other CAPFs like BSF, ITBP, SSB also come under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2. In the context of counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, what is the significance of 'cordon and search operations'?

  • A.To provide medical assistance to civilians in conflict zones
  • B.To isolate a specific area and search for militants and illegal weapons
  • C.To promote tourism in the region
  • D.To conduct census surveys
Show Answer

Answer: B

Cordon and search operations are a common tactic used by security forces to isolate a specific area suspected of harboring militants or illegal weapons. The area is cordoned off to prevent escape, and then a thorough search is conducted. This is explicitly mentioned as part of Operation Trashi-I in the news summary.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the organization Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)?

  • A.JeM is a Pakistan-based terrorist group.
  • B.JeM was founded by Masood Azhar.
  • C.JeM is primarily focused on activities in Afghanistan.
  • D.JeM has been involved in attacks in India, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Options A, B, and D are correct. Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a Pakistan-based terrorist group founded by Masood Azhar. It has been involved in numerous attacks in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Option C is NOT correct because JeM's primary focus is on activities in India and Pakistan, not Afghanistan.

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