An intense gun battle broke out this morning between armed opposition and a joint team of Indian security forces in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. #JammuKashmir #Kishtwar #gunbattle

Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir | July 20, 2025

An intense encounter broke out this morning between suspected militants and a joint team of Indian security forces in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. The exchange of fire began around 10:30 AM in the dense forested area of Marwah, following a cordon and search operation launched by the security forces based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants.

According to preliminary reports, the joint operation was initiated by the Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Security forces had cordoned off the suspected area overnight. As the search party advanced into the dense foliage, they came under heavy fire from the hiding militants, triggering a fierce gunfight.

Sources indicate that the encounter is ongoing, with intermittent firing reported from both sides. Reinforcements have been rushed to the site to tighten the cordon and prevent any militants from escaping. The challenging mountainous terrain and dense forest cover are posing difficulties for the security forces in navigating the area.

While there are no immediate reports of casualties on either side, the situation remains tense. Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid the encounter zone. Mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in parts of Kishtwar district as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and to disrupt communication among potential sympathizers.

Kishtwar, once a hotbed of militancy, has largely remained peaceful in recent years, though sporadic attempts by militant groups to revive their presence in the region have been foiled by security forces. This latest encounter underscores the persistent efforts by security agencies to neutralize residual militant elements and their networks.

Further details are awaited as the operation continues. Officials from the J&K Police and Army are monitoring the situation closely and are expected to issue an official statement once the operation concludes.

On July 19, 2025 Indian media claims that 10 location belong to armed opposition groups raided yet no cell was founded. 

Recent reports from Indian media confirm that Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) and other agencies have conducted extensive raids at 10 locations across four districts in Jammu and Kashmir (Pulwama, Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam) in connection with a violent-crime investigation. These operations as Indian media claims, are aimed at busting Pakistan Admin Jammu and Kashmir-linked sleeper cells and recruitment modules, particularly those reportedly handled by Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Abdullah Ghazi from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Did they discover any cells?

Yes, reports indicate that these raids have led to the detention of 10 individuals suspected of using encrypted messaging applications to coordinate, finance, and execute terror activities on the instructions of Pakistan-based handlers, including Abdullah Ghazi. A "large number of documentary evidence and digital devices" have also been seized, which are being analyzed for further leads. The police describe these operations as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle terror infrastructure and prevent the radicalization of local youth.

Was this to divert public attention from basic issues?

While it's difficult to definitively state the sole motivation behind such operations, counter-terrorism efforts are a continuous process in Jammu and Kashmir due to the persistent threat of militancy and cross-border infiltration.

However, the timing and public emphasis of such raids can sometimes align with political narratives. The Indian government has consistently maintained a "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism in J&K, and any successful counter-terrorism operation is often highlighted as a demonstration of their commitment to national security and stability in the region.

It's worth noting that J&K has seen a decline in terror incidents in recent years, which the government attributes to its counter-terrorism strategies and development initiatives. However, the region continues to grapple with various socio-economic and political challenges, and public discourse often shifts between these issues and security concerns.

In summary, the raids were indeed reported to have discovered and disrupted POK-linked sleeper cells, with detentions and seizures of evidence confirmed by Indian media. While counter-terrorism is a genuine and ongoing concern in J&K, it's also true that such operations can serve to reinforce the government's narrative on security and stability in the region.