Lt Gen General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, has formally commended the White Knight Corps and joint security forces for their decisive action in neutralising terrorists during Operation Trashi-I in the rugged terrains of Kishtwar district in Jammu & Kashmir. In a statement issued on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Army said Lt Gen Sharma complimented the troops for their “swift and precise” action in the operation, highlighting the determination and professionalism displayed by commanders and soldiers on the ground. The Army Commander also praised the persistence and courage of personnel operating in challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions
“The Army Commander commends the commanders and troops on ground for their persistence in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Northern Command remains committed to ensuring a terror-free Jammu & Kashmir,” the official statement added.
Operation Trashi-I: Context and Progress
Operation Trashi-I was launched in mid-January based on credible intelligence inputs from the Jammu & Kashmir Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and military intelligence sources indicating the presence of terrorists in the densely forested and mountainous Chatroo-Passerkut belt of Kishtwar. (The Week)
Security forces — led by the White Knight Corps and operating in close coordination with the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) — re-established contact with the terrorists around 11:00 am on Sunday, leading to a sustained engagement in difficult terrain.
During the operation, two terrorists were successfully neutralised and their bodies were recovered from the encounter site after the mud house where they were holed up caught fire during the exchange of fire. Two AK-47 rifles and ammunition were seized by the forces, reflecting the hostile intent and tactical preparedness of the neutralised militants.
Broader Security Effort
The ongoing counter-terror initiative in Kishtwar comes after a series of six encounters in the Chatroo region since January, which have included intense engagements with militants and significant efforts to dismantle their operational presence.
Security officials say that one of the terrorists believed to have been involved in the recent engagements, identified as Saifullah, was a notorious commander linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and had reportedly been active in Jammu & Kashmir for nearly five years. Saifullah was suspected of involvement in several deadly attacks against security forces, including a major ambush in July 2024 that claimed the lives of multiple soldiers.
Army’s Stance and Future Outlook
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma’s commendation comes at a crucial stage of the anti-terror offensive, underscoring the Army’s emphasis on intelligence-driven operations and coordinated action among security agencies. His remarks also reaffirm the Northern Command’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security across Jammu & Kashmir.
The joint forces continue to comb the area to ensure no hostile elements remain at large and sustain pressure on terror networks seeking sanctuary in the region.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
