Jammu, Apr 12: Three terrorists were neutralized during intense fire-fight in Chhatroo area of Kishtwar district and operation would continue as long as all the terrorists present in the area were not eliminated.
This was stated by Brigadier J V S Rathi, Commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) Range, Shridhar Patil in a joint press briefing in Kishtwar.
Brigadier Rathi stated that in the operation, the troops displayed great tactical acumen and swiftness and ensured zero casualty to own troops.
DIG Patil reiterated that as long as all the terrorists present in the area were not eliminated, the operation would continue. He also lauded the local populace for its unflinching cooperation, saying, “The civilians have throughout given overwhelming support to the security forces engaged in the operation.”
While giving an overview of the operations going on in 11 Rashtriya Rifles area of responsibility, Brigadier Rathi said that the ongoing “Operation Chhatroo” was launched on specific, credible intelligence inputs on April 9 by joint teams of Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF in the dense forests of Kishtwar to nab the group of terrorists.
“In the ensuing gun battle (fire-fight) three terrorists were neutralized despite the weather and night time challenges. The troops displayed great professionalism and acumen. The security of the civilians was of our topmost priority and the same was maintained in the execution of this operation,” he said.
Brigadier Rathi said that the operation also brought to the fore the seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the JKP, especially the SOG.
“Rapid reinforcements were deployed in terms of the special forces with the help of the Indian Air Force. To carry out real time surveillance of the area, the UAVs, drones, and other equipment were deployed basically to ensure that the terrorists did not escape from the area. This operation reaffirms the commitment of the Indian Army to maintain peace and stability in south Jammu (region) especially in the Pir Panjal area,” he said.
“I would like to mention that certain security measures have been instituted in terms of the rapid force response capabilities, technological integration and inter-agency seamless coordination to maintain peace and stability in the region. I would like to thank the White Knight Corps and the GOC Delta Force for their guidance and support,” Brigadier said.
DIG Patil too lauded perfect synergy among the Indian Army, JKP, CRPF and other security forces engaged in the operation, describing it as “unique and exemplary.”
“Such synergy will continue even in future. All those inimical elements, who will come here with the intention to spread terror or engage in terrorist activities, will have to meet their death,” he said.
Responding to a query about the killed terrorists’ identity, DIG said, “The identity of the terrorists killed will be done during investigation. Once the identity is ascertained, it will be shared with the media. Right now, we are not at a stage where we can confirm the identification of anyone (out of slain terrorists).”
“The number does not matter whosoever comes with the aim of disturbing peace in the territory in the region will be neutralized,” Brigadier Rathi said, in response to a query about the number of terrorists operating in the area. Patil too endorsed his statement.
Regarding recovering, DIG said, “As earlier shared, one M4 rifle, one AK series rifle besides other arms and ammunition have been recovered. Recoveries are in the final stage of listing.”
