Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Aug 11: A high-stakes anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district entered its second day on Monday, with security forces reporting intermittent gunfire and loud explosions overnight. The terrorists are suspected to be holed up inside a deep cave on a cliff in the Bhagna forest area of Dool, around 25 km from Kishtwar town.

According to officials, the operation began early Sunday following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of two most-wanted Hizbul Mujahideen militants — Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari. Both have been active in the region for nearly eight years and carry a reward of Rs 10 lakh each.

The encounter started at around 6:30 a.m. Sunday when the hiding militants opened fire on security personnel, forcing them to retaliate. The duo then reportedly fled deeper into the forest.

As the operation intensified, additional reinforcements from the Army — including para commandos — along with CRPF and J&K Police units joined the search. Drones were deployed to track movement and prevent any escape.

“Firing was last reported on Sunday evening near the suspected cave. The area is rugged and forested, and the cave is believed to be quite deep,” officials noted. Multiple explosions and sporadic gunfire echoed through the night.

The cordon-and-search operation continues, and updates are awaited as forces maintain pressure on the suspected hideout.

This operation is part of a larger security crackdown following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Security forces have ramped up efforts not only against armed militants but also their support networks — including overground workers (OGWs), sympathisers, and drug traffickers believed to be funding terror activities through hawala networks and smuggling operations.

Officials say these intelligence-led operations are designed to dismantle the broader terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, moving beyond just eliminating active gunmen.