SRINAGAR: A fresh gunfight erupted between security forces and armed militants in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir late Sunday night, officials said.
The exchange of fire began around 10:20 pm when a joint team of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was carrying out a search operation in the Janseer Kandiwar forest area. Militants opened fire on the forces, who retaliated, leading to intermittent gunfire.
This marks the third encounter in the Chatroo belt within a week, as security forces continue intensified operations in the hilly region. Despite heavy snowfall and difficult terrain, search efforts have remained ongoing.
The area has been under sustained pressure since a January 18 encounter in Sonnar village, which claimed the life of a paratrooper and injured seven soldiers. Militants had earlier managed to evade capture by using dense forest cover.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and operations are continuing.
