Intense Standoff: Kishtwar's Forest Battle

Gunfire and explosions echoed throughout a forested region in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district as security forces intensified their operation against terrorists for the second consecutive day on Monday. Official sources confirm that the terrorists are believed to be holed up inside a cave on a cliff in the Bhagna forest area, located roughly 25 kilometers from Kishtwar town.

The operation, which commenced early Sunday, followed an intelligence tip regarding two highly-wanted Hizbul Mujahideen operatives: Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari. Both have been active in the district for nearly eight years, with a reward of Rs 10 lakh each on their heads. As search parties advanced, the terrorists fired at around 6:30 on Sunday morning before retreating further into the woods under retaliatory fire. Subsequent gunfire exchanges reportedly occurred twice more that day.

In response, reinforcements from the army, including para commandos, along with police and CRPF personnel, joined the operation, employing drones to thwart any potential escape attempts by the suspects. Officials last noted gunfire near a suspected deep cave on Sunday evening. Powerful explosions and intermittent firing were reported overnight, leaving further developments pending as the search operation continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)