Anti-Terror Ops Launched in J&K: Fresh Terror Threat in Kishtwar, Doda, and Poonch

J&K: Suspected terrorists sighted; anti-terror ops launched in Kishtwar, Doda and Poonch

In a high-alert development just days before the new year, Indian security forces have launched intensive anti-terror ops across three critical districts of Jammu and Kashmir—Kishtwar, Doda, and Poonch—following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of suspected terrorists. The operations, involving the Army, Rashtriya Rifles, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, began in the early hours of December 30, 2025, and are ongoing as of this report .

Table of Contents

Initial Intelligence and Terrorist Sightings

According to official sources from the J&K Police, surveillance units reported unusual movement in remote, forested areas of Kishtwar and Doda on December 29. Local informants and technical intelligence both indicated the likely presence of 4–6 heavily armed militants—possibly linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or The Resistance Front (TRF) .

In Poonch, a separate alert was triggered after villagers near the Balakote sector reported suspicious individuals attempting to cross the Line of Control (LoC) under cover of darkness. These reports were corroborated by drone footage and thermal imaging deployed by the Indian Army’s surveillance teams .

Anti-Terror Ops on the Ground

Within hours, joint teams were mobilized for cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) in all three districts. Key details include:

  • Kishtwar: Troops from the 25 Rashtriya Rifles and District Police have sealed off the Warwan Valley area—a known infiltration corridor.
  • Doda: Security forces are combing the Bhaderwah forests, with aerial support from Army Aviation helicopters.
  • Poonch: Special Operations Group (SOG) commandos are leading the search near the Gulpur and Mendhar sectors, close to sensitive LoC posts.

As of December 31, 2025, no direct encounters have been reported, but several caches of arms, ammunition, and rations have been recovered—suggesting active militant planning .

Strategic Significance of Kishtwar, Doda & Poonch

These three districts are not random targets. They form a critical arc along the Pir Panjal range and share porous terrain with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Historically, they’ve been used as infiltration routes due to dense forests, minimal civilian presence in high-altitude zones, and complex topography that hinders surveillance .

Poonch, in particular, has seen repeated infiltration attempts in 2024–2025. The Indian Army’s “Firewall Strategy”—a mix of smart fences, AI-powered sensors, and rapid-reaction units—has reduced successful crossings, but determined groups still attempt seasonal winter infiltrations when snow cover masks movement.

Civilian Impact and Security Measures

Local authorities have issued advisories asking residents to avoid forested and border-adjacent areas. Schools in outlying villages of Doda and Poonch remain closed as a precaution. Mobile internet has been temporarily restricted in select zones to prevent misinformation and coordination by hostile elements—a standard protocol during active operations .

Importantly, no civilian casualties or displacements have been reported so far. The J&K administration has emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruption while ensuring public safety: “Our priority is to flush out these elements without endangering innocent lives,” said a senior police official .

Broader Security Context in J&K 2025

This latest alert comes amid a broader trend of declining terrorist violence in J&K—yet with persistent attempts by Pakistan-backed groups to reignite unrest. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, terror incidents in 2025 are down 38% compared to 2023, but infiltration attempts have remained steady, especially in the Jammu division .

Experts note a strategic shift: instead of urban strikes, militants are now seeking to establish hideouts in remote Jammu regions to regroup and plan future attacks. This makes operations like the current ones in Kishtwar and Doda critically important for long-term stability.

For deeper insight into regional security dynamics, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:pakistan-sponsored-terrorism-jk-2025].

Conclusion: Vigilance in the New Year

As India steps into 2026, the launch of these large-scale anti-terror ops in Kishtwar, Doda, and Poonch serves as a stark reminder that while terrorism in J&K is on the decline, the threat remains real and adaptive. The swift, coordinated response by India’s security apparatus reflects both improved intelligence-sharing and enhanced operational readiness. For residents and the nation alike, the message is clear: vigilance remains non-negotiable. Stay informed, stay safe—and trust that our forces are watching the ridgelines so we don’t have to.

Sources

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