Security forces have uncovered a well-stocked terror bunker used by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants in the high-altitude forests of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, following an intense counter-terror operation that claimed the life of a Special Forces soldier and left several others injured.
Kargil-style bunker meant for long stay
Officials said the rugged bunker, hidden deep in the mountainous terrain, was designed for a prolonged stay. Shielded with stones placed strategically outside for cover, the hideout was stocked with large quantities of food and supplies, indicating that terrorists were preparing to remain in the area for several months.
Recovered items included around 50 packets of instant noodles, bags of basmati rice, wheat and bajra, lentils, potatoes, tomatoes, nearly 15 varieties of spices, two full-sized LPG cylinders, a cooking burner, dry firewood and grenades. The scale of supplies suggested a long-term operational base rather than a temporary shelter.
Encounter leaves soldiers injured, one martyred
The bunker was detected after a fierce gunfight during Operation Trashi-I, launched in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora in the Chatroo belt. Security forces established contact with terrorists on Sunday, triggering an encounter in which eight soldiers were injured, mostly due to splinters from a sudden grenade attack.
One of the critically injured soldiers, Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, later succumbed to his injuries at a military hospital in Jammu during the intervening night of January 18 and 19.
Paying tribute, the White Knight Corps said the soldier displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty. Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma also honoured the fallen jawan, stating that his sacrifice would forever remain etched in the nation’s memory.
Search continues in difficult terrain
Officials said the operation was paused overnight due to dense vegetation, steep slopes and poor visibility, but resumed at first light on Monday. Multiple teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, supported by drones and sniffer dogs, are continuing combing operations to prevent terrorists from escaping.
A group of two to three JeM terrorists is suspected to be hiding in the area, and the security cordon has been further tightened.
Heightened alert ahead of Republic Day
This was the third encounter in the Jammu region this year, following earlier gunfights in Kathua district and Udhampur. Security has been intensified ahead of Republic Day of India, amid intelligence inputs warning of renewed infiltration attempts by Pakistan-based handlers.