As heavy snow blankets the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar and Doda districts, the Indian Army has launched an intensified winter operation aimed at eliminating terrorist networks hiding in the region’s harsh terrain. Defying the traditional slowdown during extreme cold, security forces have stepped up surveillance and search missions, sending a strong message that winter will no longer provide cover for militancy.
The operation is being led by the 11 Rashtriya Rifles along with other army units, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and Village Defence Guards. According to sources, sustained pressure has forced several top terror commanders, including Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives Saifullah and Adil, and Hizbul Mujahideen’s Jehangir Saroori, to abandon earlier hideouts and move deeper into remote areas.
For years, terrorists exploited the rugged geography and fear among locals to secure food, shelter, and information. That equation is now changing. Villagers, reassured by the army’s presence and outreach, are increasingly sharing vital intelligence. Slogans painted on village walls, emphasizing safety and progress with army support, have boosted confidence and cooperation among residents.
Despite sub-zero temperatures, snowfall, and dense forests, over 2,000 troops are maintaining continuous operations. Temporary bases and surveillance posts have been established across snow-covered ridges. Advanced technology such as drones, thermal imagers, and ground sensors is being used to track movements and prevent regrouping or fresh infiltration.
Search operations are currently underway in villages including Chas, Dhar, Horna, Sarwan, and Seojdhar. The army is following a clear doctrine of sustained surveillance, swift action, and immediate return to monitoring, ensuring that cleared areas are not reoccupied.
As the harsh Chillai Kalan winter phase sets in, army officials say the days of terrorists operating freely in Kishtwar and Doda are numbered. With local support and technological edge, security forces remain confident of restoring peace and stability to the region.
