The search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district began early on November 5, 2025, following intelligence about two to three terrorists hiding in the forested Chhatru area. The joint operation by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps and Jammu & Kashmir Police escalated into an intense encounter, during which a paratrooper was injured and airlifted to Udhampur’s Command Hospital. The terrorists, believed to be Pakistan-based and linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, have been active in the region for months. The dense forest terrain and rugged landscape have posed challenges for forces employing drones, sniffer dogs, and reinforcements to strengthen the cordon. Kishtwar, bordering Doda and Udhampur districts, has witnessed six encounters over the past seven months, underscoring persistent militancy threats and the security forces’ sustained efforts to maintain stability in this strategically sensitive area. The operation remains ongoing with no new exchange of fire since the afternoon of November 5.