JeM commander among three militants killed in Kishtwar encounter; charred bodies recovered

Three alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed militants were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district during Operation Trashi-I, the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps said. The operation was carried out jointly by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF following what officials described as credible intelligence inputs.

According to officials, one of the slain militants has been identified as Saifullah, a suspected commander of the banned outfit. Security forces said they recovered two AK-47 rifles and other ammunition from the site of the gunfight.

The encounter reportedly began around 10:30 am in the Passerkut area of Chatroo when troops moved in on information about the presence of militants. Officials said the suspects, believed to be hiding in a mud house at the foothills, opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire. The structure caught fire during the operation, and reports indicated that the bodies were charred.

The Chatroo forest belt has witnessed multiple encounters in recent weeks. Last month, several gunfights were reported in the area, resulting in casualties among both security personnel and militants.

Officials said Saifullah had allegedly infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir nearly five years ago and had since been active in the region. He was suspected of involvement in several attacks on security forces, including a July 2024 incident in which four soldiers were killed. Authorities said he had previously evaded capture in earlier operations.