Clash between security forces and armed opposition in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. Indian army claims that an opposition fighters hideout stocked for long-term use has already been busted - UKJNews

Armed Confrontation And Lose of Life In Jammu And Kashmir.

A fierce confrontation unfolded between Indian security forces and armed opposition in the remote, densely forested upper reaches of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. The gunbattle erupted on Sunday (January 18, 2026) around noon, when a joint team of the Indian Army (including elite Para Special Forces, 17 Rashtriya Rifles, and 11 Rashtriya Rifles), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Mandral-Singhora (also referred to as Singpora/Singhoora) area near Sonar (or Sonnar/Son Nar) village in the Chhatru (Chatroo) belt.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of 2-3 members of the armed opposition, alleged to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, yet no verified information, security personnel moved into the thickly vegetated mountainous terrain. As the search team approached the suspected hideout, the armed opposition opened heavy fire on the forces, triggering an intense exchange of gunbattle. The armed opposition reportedly also hurled grenades, causing splinter injuries to several soldiers.

In the ensuing firefight, eight Army personnel sustained injuries, with some requiring airlifting for specialized medical treatment. Tragically, one brave Para Special Forces soldier, Havildar Gajendra Singh, later succumbed to his wounds. Reinforcements were swiftly rushed to the site, and the entire area was sealed off with a tight cordon to prevent the armed opposition fighters' to escape.

The operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, continued through the night and resumed on Monday (January 19, 2026) after a brief tactical pause due to the challenging terrain, poor visibility, and steep slopes. Security forces, supported by drones, helicopters, sniffer dogs, and additional troops, are actively combing the dense forests to track down and neutralize the hiding pro-Independent fighters. Indian army claims that an opposition fighters hideout stocked for long-term use has already been busted in the area as part of the ongoing searches.

This encounter marks the third such clash in the Jammu region in 2026 so far, amid intensified counter-armed opposition operations to flush out what Indian government claimed as foreign militants believed to be sheltering in the forested belts of Kishtwar, Doda, and surrounding districts during the winter months. It appears that the armed opposition war strategy put pressure on Indian security forces to remain on high alert across the Jammu and Kashmir region.

While direct large-scale war has been avoided since May 2025, the shadow of war persists through alleged infiltrations, encounters, and LoC skirmishes. Intelligence warnings suggest a moderate risk linked to Kashmir armed opposition for freedom could become catalyst for both countries into an armed conflict in 2026. The area is heavily militarized, with operations aimed at flushing out threats ahead of key dates like Indian Republic Day, but this cycle of violence between the Indian Army and armed opposition groups of Jammu and Kashmir  underscores the unresolved issue of freedom that is purely belonging to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to be settled by using democratic and peaceful means. 

Ultimately, Jammu and Kashmir endures as a zone of asymmetric conflict and strategic rivalry, not yet an open war zone between the two nuclear powers—but the risks remain elevated. Peace requires the leadership to grow up, address the root causes beyond military responses by allowing an environment of friendship and cooperation to settle all differences rather to take the path of confrontation, animosity and wars. 

You Cannot Change Your Neighbours  

Neighbours cannot keep fighting forever. The endless cycle of conflict only deepens wounds, claims innocent lives, and dims the bright future that both **India** and **Pakistan**—two brotherly nations sharing history, culture, languages, and unbreakable ties—truly deserve.

**Allama Iqbal**, the visionary poet-philosopher revered as the spiritual guide of the subcontinent, once beautifully celebrated **Lord Ram** as **"Imam-e-Hind"**—the spiritual leader and pride of India—honouring the shared heritage that binds our peoples. In his timeless verse, he reminded us that Hindustan's cup overflows with the wine of truth and moral elevation, a legacy that transcends divisions.

This spirit of unity echoes even more powerfully in the profound teaching of the **Holy Quran** (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:32):

**"Whoever kills a soul... it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely."**

This divine wisdom is not merely poetic inspiration; it is a universal command to cherish and protect every human life. In the eyes of the Creator, the value of one innocent life equals the value of all humanity.

For the people of India and Pakistan—neighbours bound by blood, geography, and shared dreams—**peace is not just an option; it is a moral and religious obligation**. Choosing dialogue over discord, cooperation over confrontation, and friendship over enmity honors the sanctity of life that our faiths hold sacred.

Let us rise above mistrust and old grievances. Let leaders and citizens alike embrace the path of reconciliation, trade, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Together, we can build a future where children grow up free from the shadow of fear, where prosperity replaces poverty, and where the subcontinent shines as a beacon of harmony.

**Peace is compulsory**—because saving lives, healing divides, and fostering brotherhood is the truest way to serve God and humanity. May wisdom prevail, hearts soften, and a new dawn of lasting friendship begin. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰.