Gunbattle Rages in Treacherous Kishtwar Hills; Four Militants Trapped as Forces Deploy Drones and Reinforcements
Kishtwar, Feb 22, KNT: Heavy exchange of fire broke out between militants and security forces in the Passerkote area of Chattro in Kishtwar district on Sunday after contact was established during a massive search operation.
Official sources said joint teams of security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the area following specific inputs about the presence of militants. The search operation intensified in the difficult mountainous terrain, leading to an encounter after the hiding militants opened fire.
Sources said the area is densely forested and strategically challenging, prompting forces to press drones and sniffer dogs into service to track the movement of militants.
Reports indicate that at least four militants are believed to be trapped in the area. Intermittent firing, including use of grenades and automatic weapons, was continuing till the filing of this report.
Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot, and the operation was underway when last reports came in. [KNT]
