Operation Trashi-I Intensifies: Hunt for Three Fugitive Ultras Enters Day 15 in Jammu's Snowbound Belt
The ongoing hunt for three fugitive terrorists in the snowbound Chatroo-Dolgam-Dichhar belt of Jammu was intensified on Sunday, marking day 15 of Operation Trashi-I. Security forces and terrorists had briefly exchanged bullets in the Dolgam area on Saturday, with officials reporting that one terrorist was believed to have sustained injuries. Drone footage purportedly showed blood trails, adding to the urgency of the search.
Series of Encounters and Security Measures
The latest gunfight was the fourth encounter since initial contact was established in Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, Chatroo, on January 18. In that initial clash, eight security personnel were injured, one of whom eventually succumbed to injuries. Subsequent firefights occurred on January 22 in Singhpora and on January 24, where a Pakistani Jaish terrorist was shot dead.
After an overnight cordon, searches resumed early Sunday and continued till late at night. Officials noted that the ultras, on the run for over two weeks, have been continuously changing hideouts. To fortify the operation:
- Additional forces were roped in to strengthen the cordon.
- Sniffer dogs were deployed to assist troops on the ground.
- The region was put under aerial surveillance using drones and choppers to plug possible escape routes.
Review and Security Grid Strengthening
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Kishtwar on Saturday to review the counter-terrorism grid, underscoring the high-level attention on the operation. Security agencies are also trying to trace terrorist sympathisers who may have provided food and shelter to the ultras. After leaving a fortified hideout on January 19, the terrorists might have run out of rations and consumables, especially given the hostile weather conditions in the snowbound area.
Communication Restrictions and Regional Impact
As a security measure, mobile internet services (all bandwidths) have remained temporarily suspended within a 6km-radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo since January 30. This move aims to prevent coordination among terrorists and their supporters, though it affects local communication.
The intensified search comes amid challenging terrain and weather, with officials emphasizing the determination to neutralize the threat. The operation highlights ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, with security forces leveraging technology and manpower to track down the fugitives.
