Kishtwar Encounter Alert: Jaish Terrorists Trapped Amid Amarnath Yatra Security Tension
A tense gunfight erupts in Kishtwar’s Chatroo as Jaish‑e‑Mohammed suspects are trapped amid Amarnath Yatra pilgrim security. This encounter echoes past operations and highlights the delicate balance between faith and force on NH‑44 during pilgrimage season.
Aryan K 
Kishtwar (Jammu & Kashmir) [India ]July 02: Security forces including police, Army and CRPF began a joint search in Chatroo’s Kanzal Mandu area after a tip-off about terrorists’ presence. This came just hours after the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were flagged off from Jammu, raising tension across the region as forces worked swiftly.
Gunfire Sparks Amid Fierce Search
As the teams combed through the hilly terrain, terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce encounter. The exchange marked a shift from search to active engagement, as reinforcements arrived to strengthen the cordon and prevent escape, heightening the drama near a key Yatra route.
Jaish-e-Mohammed Named As Suspects
Officials said two to three terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed were believed trapped inside the cordon. The army’s White Knight Corps confirmed contact had been made. This group has a history in the area, making the operation especially delicate during pilgrimage season.
Connection To Earlier Operations
This encounter echoes recent operations in April and May in Chhatru forest and Singhpora. Those hunts saw JeM terrorists neutralised, along with seizure of AK and M4 rifles. The repeat activity suggests ongoing militant pressure in Kishtwar’s dense forest zones.
Amarnath Yatra Security On High Alert
With the official start of the Amarnath Yatra on July 3, highway NH‑44 and both Baltal and Pahalgam routes have tight security. The current encounter underlines how closely pilgrimage meets protection—and how threats and prayers coexist in the Himalayan passes.
