Most Wanted Militant Killed in Kashmir Gunfight

Security forces in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have achieved a significant breakthrough following a high-stakes encounter in the Kishtwar district. On Sunday, three militants—including a notorious commander of the Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)—were neutralised during a fierce exchange of fire.

The Fall of the ‘Unstoppable’ Saifullah

The centrepiece of this operation was the elimination of a JeM operative identified as Saifullah. A figure of significant concern for regional stability, Saifullah had been operating as a fugitive in the rugged terrain for over two years. According to intelligence sources cited by NDTV, he was famously elusive, having successfully evaded security cordons and direct military raids on at least 20 separate occasions.

His death follows the recent killing of another high-ranking militant, Adil, suggesting a systematic dismantling of the JeM leadership within the district.

Details of Operation Trashi-1

The encounter was the result of actionable intelligence regarding the movement of armed insurgents in the dense Chatru forest area. A joint task force comprising the State Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Special Forces moved to intercept the group. Upon sensing the approach of the forces, the militants opened fire, triggering a prolonged gunfight.

Security personnel retaliated with precision, eventually clearing the site. Following the skirmish, a search of the area yielded a significant cache of weaponry, including:

Two high-powered assault rifles

Tactical equipment and communication devices

Ammunition and logistical supplies

Escalation in the Kishtwar Sector

The Chhatru forest area has become a focal point of conflict, with nearly half a dozen gunfights reported within the last month alone. Since January, the military has intensified its efforts under the banner of Operation Trashi-1, specifically targeting the inaccessible reaches of the Kishtwar mountains.

Strategic Significance

The success of Operation Trashi-1 is viewed as a major blow to the operational capabilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the region. By neutralising a commander with the tactical survival skills of Saifullah, the security apparatus has effectively weakened the local insurgency's morale. However, the density of the terrain suggests that mop-up operations will continue as forces hunt for remaining splinter cells.