Kishtwar: Mobile internet services were suspended across key areas of Kishtwar district as security forces ramped up anti-terror operations against Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in the snow-laden forests. The 48-hour blackout, effective from 12:01 a.m. on January 29 to 11:59 p.m. on January 30, covers a six-km radius around Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo, aiming to curb potential misuse by anti-national elements, according to reports.
The reports said Jammu and Kashmir home department issued the order under principal secretary Chandraker Bharti, following inputs from Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, per the Temporary S
uspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024. High-speed 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services were targeted to prevent terrorists from coordinating attacks or spreading misinformation, which could disrupt public order and threaten security in the Union Territory.
The escalation follows a major operation launched on January 18 in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, where a fierce gunfight killed one paratrooper and injured seven soldiers. The three JeM terrorists escaped into dense, snow-covered terrain despite over two feet of snowfall. Subsequent encounters on January 22 at Mali Dana top and January 25 at Janseer-Kandiwar failed to neutralize the threats, prompting intensified searches, reprts said
Kishtwar, part of the Pir Panjal range, has seen rising militancy since late 2024, with JeM attempting to revive networks post the Pahalgam attack. Parallel operations continue in Poonch’s Pajja Morh and Nabana top targeting two suspects.
No official casualty updates emerged Friday, even as the operations continue.