Srinagar, Jan 30: Security forces on Friday intensified their ongoing anti-terror operation in Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district to track down three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed to be hiding in the densely forested region, officials said.
According to officials, mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended within a six-kilometre radius covering Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo to prevent misuse of communication facilities by anti-national elements during the ongoing operation.
The suspension of mobile internet services has been extended till 11:59 pm on January 30, following an order issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department.
The anti-terror operation was launched on January 18 after specific intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Chatroo area.
The operation led to a fierce gunbattle in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, in which a paratrooper lost his life, and seven soldiers sustained injuries. Despite the heavy security presence, the terrorists managed to escape, taking advantage of thick vegetation, dense forests, rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Security forces continued their search operations even as the region saw more than 2 feet of snow.
Earlier, two more encounters were reported between the army and the terrorists at Mali Dana top on January 22 and at Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25. However, the terrorists once again managed to evade capture and slipped deeper into the forested areas.
A senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that the suspension of mobile internet services was initially imposed on January 23 as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing counter-terror operation.
“The decision was taken to prevent the possible misuse of high-speed mobile data services by terrorists and their sympathisers, which could lead to a deterioration of public order and compromise the security operation,” he said.
The order to suspend mobile internet services was issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, who is the authorised officer under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024.
The officer said that the measure was temporary and aimed solely at ensuring the safety of security personnel and civilians during the operation.
Meanwhile, security forces have also launched a separate search operation in the Pajja Morh, Nabana top, and adjoining areas in the Surankote region of Poonch district following information about the presence of two suspected persons.
However, no contact has been established with the suspects so far. The search operation is continuing, and additional forces have been deployed to comb the area, officials said.
Irfan Yattoo
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