Jammu: Security forces killed three terrorists in a gunbattle in J&K’s Kishtwar district, officials said on Sunday, intensifying a weeks-long manhunt through dense forests and steep terrain.The fighting broke out in the Chatro forest belt of Kishtwar, where the joint team was gathering intelligence to pinpoint the terrorists hiding in mud huts. As the search party closed in, the terrorists opened fire, setting off hours of fighting.Two terrorists were killed in the initial operation. A third body was found in a bombed hideout in the evening, officials said. Authorities have not yet identified them. Troops seized weapons and ammunition, including three AK-47 rifles.Army troops from CIF Delta led the operation in collaboration with J&K Police and CRPF. A spokesman for the White Knights said troops “took control” of the site and re-engaged after contact was re-established on Sunday morning.Since mid-January, gunbattles have been ongoing in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts, resulting in the death of several terrorists, including three deaths on February 4. The latest operation was launched as part of a single ongoing operation codenamed “Operation Trashi-I” after a shootout on January 18 that left one paratrooper dead and seven soldiers wounded.The sweep follows multiple contacts over the past month, when troops tracked a group believed to be moving between Sonar, Jhansir-Kandiwal, Dhachahn and nearby highlands. On January 19, police discovered a hideout and stepped up searches and shootings. Northern Command said operations will continue to prevent terrorists from gaining asylum.
