Security forces on Friday stepped up their anti-terror operation in the snowbound Chatroo area of Kishtwar district to track and eliminate three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed to be hiding there, officials said. Mobile internet services remain suspended within a six-kilometre radius of Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo to prevent misuse during the operation. The crackdown began on January 18 and led to a fierce gunfight in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, in which a paratrooper was killed and seven soldiers were injured.

The terrorists escaped due to dense vegetation, difficult terrain and heavy snowfall, but security forces continued their search despite more than two feet of snow. Additional encounters took place at Mali Dana top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25, though the militants again managed to flee into forested areas.

Authorities have extended the suspension of mobile internet services in the affected areas until 11:59 pm on January 30, following orders from the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department. The shutdown, first imposed on January 23, was ordered by the IGP of Jammu Zone to prevent threats to public order. A separate search operation is underway in Pajja Morh, Nabana top and nearby areas of Surankote in Poonch district after reports of two suspected persons. No contact has been established so far, and the operation is ongoing.