Indian Army Engages Terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir; Operation Underway

Encounter Erupts in Kishtwar Forests

An exchange of fire erupted between the Indian Army and a group of terrorists in the Keshwan forest area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The incident occurred around 1 PM, following an intelligence-based operation launched by security forces in the general area of Kishtwar.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the contact with terrorists, stating in a post on X (formerly Twitter), 'Alert troops of White Knight Corps at around 1 pm today, whilst carrying out an intelligence based operation in the general area of Kishtwar, have established contact with terrorists. Fire was exchanged with terrorists. The operation is in progress.'

Ongoing Operation and Reinforcements

Officials have indicated that the operation is currently underway, with reinforcements being rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and prevent any potential escape routes for the terrorists. While the gunfight is ongoing, there have been no immediate reports of casualties from the Kishtwar encounter. Reports suggest that two to three terrorists, potentially linked to the Jaish group, have been trapped in the area.

Context of Recent Anti-Militancy Efforts

This encounter marks the second anti-militancy operation in the Jammu region within the last three days. On Friday evening, September 19, 2025, a similar operation in the Seoj Dhar forest between the Doda-Udhampur belt resulted in a fierce gun battle. During that operation, Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, a soldier from the Army's Special Forces, was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. Homage was paid to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand at the Air Force Station, Jammu, with Chief of Staff, White Knight Corps, Major General P S Dagar, laying a wreath.

In a separate development, troops conducting a search operation in the Mawar area of Hendwara in Kupwara district recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition. This included:

• Two Chinese pistols
• One Turkish pistol
• 40 AK rounds
• 34 pistol rounds
• Eight grenades
• One mine
• A blanket

Additionally, on the evening of September 20, 2025, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged small arms fire in the Nowgam sector of Kupwara along the Line of Control, with no casualties reported.

Conclusion

Security forces continue their efforts to neutralize the terrorists in Kishtwar, maintaining a high state of alert across the region. Further details regarding the ongoing operation are awaited as the situation develops.