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23 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
AM
Anshul Mann
|International
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Jaish Terrorists Neutralized in Kishtwar Encounter After Month-Long Security Operation

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists killed in Kishtwar following a month-long chase.

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were neutralized in Kishtwar following a month-long joint security operation. The operation involved a joint team of security forces working to track and apprehend the militants. This successful elimination is considered a significant achievement in maintaining peace and security in the Kishtwar region. The operation highlights the persistent efforts to combat terrorism and the challenges faced by security forces in the area.

Key Facts

1.

Three Jaish terrorists killed

2.

Encounter took place in Kishtwar

3.

Joint team of security forces involved

4.

Operation lasted a month

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

2.

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3.

UPSC Prelims: Provisions of UAPA, mandate of NIA, functions of state police forces in counter-terrorism.

4.

UPSC Mains: Analyze the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies in J&K. Suggest measures to improve border security and address the root causes of terrorism.

In Simple Words

Security forces chased some terrorists for a month. They finally found them in Kishtwar and stopped them. This makes the area safer.

India Angle

In India, these kinds of operations help keep our communities safe from violence. It's like the police catching criminals in your city, but on a larger scale.

For Instance

Think of it like when the police catch thieves who've been robbing houses in your neighborhood. Everyone feels safer knowing they're caught.

It matters because it shows that the people who protect us are working hard to keep us safe from those who want to cause harm.

Keeping our country safe requires constant effort.

In Kishtwar, a joint team of security forces neutralized three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists after a month-long chase. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region and the challenges faced by security forces in tracking and apprehending militants. The successful elimination of these terrorists is a significant achievement in maintaining peace and security in the area.

Expert Analysis

The neutralization of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Kishtwar brings several key concepts related to national security and counter-terrorism into focus.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), enacted in 1967 and amended in 2004 and 2019, is central to India's counter-terrorism efforts. It allows for the proscription of terrorist organizations and the detention of individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Jaish-e-Mohammed, the organization to which the neutralized terrorists belonged, is a proscribed organization under the UAPA. The Act provides the legal framework for security forces to conduct operations against such groups and their members.

The concept of counter-insurgency operations is also crucial. These operations involve a coordinated effort by security forces to suppress and eliminate insurgent groups. The month-long operation in Kishtwar exemplifies a counter-insurgency operation, involving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated action by security forces to locate and neutralize the terrorists. The success of such operations depends on effective coordination between various security agencies and the support of local communities.

Border Area Management is another critical aspect. Kishtwar, being a region in Jammu and Kashmir, is strategically important due to its proximity to the border. Effective border management involves securing the border areas to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and the smuggling of arms and explosives. This includes deploying security forces, establishing border posts, and implementing surveillance measures. The neutralization of terrorists in Kishtwar underscores the need for continued vigilance and strengthening of border security measures.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is essential for both prelims and mains. In prelims, questions may focus on the provisions of the UAPA, the objectives of counter-insurgency operations, and the importance of border management. In mains, questions may require an analysis of India's counter-terrorism strategy, the challenges faced by security forces in combating terrorism, and the measures needed to strengthen national security.

Visual Insights

Kishtwar Encounter Location

Map showing Kishtwar district where Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were neutralized.

Loading interactive map...

📍Kishtwar
More Information

Background

The region of Jammu and Kashmir has a long history of insurgency and cross-border terrorism. The UAPA Act has been frequently invoked to deal with terrorist organizations operating in the region. The security forces have been engaged in continuous efforts to maintain peace and security in the area. Recent years have seen increased efforts to counter terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This includes strengthening the security grid, enhancing intelligence gathering, and improving coordination between various security agencies. The government has also been focusing on development initiatives to address the root causes of terrorism and win the hearts and minds of the local population. The Constitution of India provides the framework for dealing with security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Government has the power to deploy central forces and take necessary measures to maintain law and order in the region. The state government also plays a crucial role in coordinating security operations and implementing development programs.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on eliminating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have been conducting targeted operations against terrorist groups, leading to the neutralization of several militants. The government has also been working to strengthen the counter-infiltration grid along the Line of Control.

The government has been implementing various development programs in Jammu and Kashmir to address the grievances of the local population and create economic opportunities. This includes investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The aim is to create a conducive environment for peace and stability.

Looking ahead, the government is expected to continue its efforts to counter terrorism and promote development in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus will be on strengthening the security apparatus, enhancing intelligence gathering, and implementing development programs that benefit the local population.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does this specific encounter in Kishtwar connect to the broader issue of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially considering the UAPA Act?

This encounter highlights the continued presence of terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Jammu and Kashmir region, despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations. The UAPA Act is frequently used to designate and prosecute members of these organizations. This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and the use of stringent legal measures to curb terrorist activities.

2. If a Mains question asks about the effectiveness of counter-insurgency operations in J&K, how can I use this Kishtwar encounter as a case study?

You can present this encounter as a recent example of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. In your answer, you could discuss the following: * The success of security forces in neutralizing terrorists. * The challenges faced, such as the difficult terrain and the duration of the operation (one month). * The persistent threat posed by groups like JeM. * The need for continued and coordinated efforts to maintain peace and security.

  • The success of security forces in neutralizing terrorists.
  • The challenges faced, such as the difficult terrain and the duration of the operation (one month).
  • The persistent threat posed by groups like JeM.
  • The need for continued and coordinated efforts to maintain peace and security.

Exam Tip

Remember to present a balanced view, acknowledging both successes and challenges. Mentioning specific facts like the group involved (JeM) and the duration of the operation will add weight to your answer.

3. What's the likely Prelims question they could ask based on this news, and what would be a common trap?

A likely question could be: 'Recently, Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were neutralized in an encounter in which of the following districts?' The correct answer would be Kishtwar. A common trap would be to confuse Kishtwar with another district in the Jammu region or to associate the encounter with a different terrorist group.

Exam Tip

Pay close attention to the location (Kishtwar) and the specific terrorist group involved (Jaish-e-Mohammed). Examiners often create distractors by using similar-sounding names or locations.

4. How does this operation reflect the government's current strategy for dealing with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?

This operation reflects the government's focus on proactive counter-terrorism measures, including: * Joint operations involving multiple security forces. * Intelligence-based targeting of terrorist groups. * Efforts to strengthen the security grid in the region. The government is also focusing on development programs to address local grievances.

  • Joint operations involving multiple security forces.
  • Intelligence-based targeting of terrorist groups.
  • Efforts to strengthen the security grid in the region.
5. What are the ethical considerations for security forces when conducting month-long counter-insurgency operations in populated areas?

Ethical considerations include: * Minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage. * Ensuring respect for human rights and due process. * Maintaining transparency and accountability in their actions. * Balancing security needs with the rights and freedoms of the local population. It is a complex situation where security forces must act decisively while adhering to ethical guidelines.

  • Minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage.
  • Ensuring respect for human rights and due process.
  • Maintaining transparency and accountability in their actions.
  • Balancing security needs with the rights and freedoms of the local population.
6. How could this incident potentially impact the local population's perception of security forces in Kishtwar?

The impact could be twofold: * Positive: Successful elimination of terrorists could increase trust in security forces and provide a sense of security. * Negative: A prolonged operation and any perceived excesses could alienate the local population. It depends on how the operation was conducted and how the security forces interact with the community afterward. Building trust is crucial for long-term stability.

  • Successful elimination of terrorists could increase trust in security forces and provide a sense of security.
  • A prolonged operation and any perceived excesses could alienate the local population.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): 1. It was enacted in 1967 to prevent unlawful activities and associations in India. 2. Under UAPA, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged. 3. The Act has been amended to designate individuals as terrorists. 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: D

All the statements are correct. The UAPA was enacted in 1967 to prevent unlawful activities. It applies to both Indian and foreign nationals. The Act has been amended to designate individuals as terrorists, allowing for stricter measures against them. This amendment was a significant change in India's counter-terrorism legislation, enabling the government to target individuals directly involved in terrorism.

2. In the context of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, which of the following statements is most accurate? A) Counter-insurgency operations are solely the responsibility of the Central Government. B) Effective counter-insurgency requires coordination between security forces and local communities. C) Counter-insurgency operations primarily focus on military action without addressing socio-economic factors. D) The success of counter-insurgency depends entirely on technological superiority.

  • A.A
  • B.B
  • C.C
  • D.D
Show Answer

Answer: B

Effective counter-insurgency requires coordination between security forces and local communities. This approach recognizes that military action alone is insufficient to address insurgency. Building trust and cooperation with local communities is essential for gathering intelligence, isolating insurgents, and promoting stability. Socio-economic factors also play a crucial role in addressing the root causes of insurgency.

3. Which of the following is NOT a key objective of border area management in regions like Jammu and Kashmir? A) Preventing infiltration of terrorists B) Curbing smuggling of arms and explosives C) Promoting economic development of border areas D) Encouraging unrestricted cross-border movement

  • A.A
  • B.B
  • C.C
  • D.D
Show Answer

Answer: D

Encouraging unrestricted cross-border movement is NOT a key objective of border area management. The primary objectives include preventing infiltration of terrorists, curbing smuggling of arms and explosives, and promoting economic development of border areas. Border management aims to secure the border while facilitating legitimate trade and movement.

Source Articles

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About the Author

Anshul Mann

Software Engineer & Current Affairs Analyst

Anshul Mann writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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