Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir (Web Desk): Intense clashes broke out on Sunday in the Kashun area of Kishtwar district after Indian forces launched a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence reports about the presence of armed fighters.
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According to officials, Indian troops surrounded the locality shortly after midday and began a search. As forces neared a suspected site, armed fighters reportedly opened fire, prompting Indian personnel to return fire. Heavy exchange of gunfire followed, and all possible exit routes were sealed to prevent escape.
The White Knight Corps confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the operation began around 1:00pm and that armed fighters engaged the troops soon after. No independent confirmation of casualties has been reported so far.
Local residents told reporters that the area has remained tense since the cordon was imposed. “Gunfire has continued for hours, and people are confined to their homes,” said one Kashmiri resident.
The clash comes amid renewed concerns in Kashmir, where many continue to demand the right to self-determination promised under UN resolutions. Civil society groups have long argued that such operations deepen mistrust between the local population and the Indian state.
The operation was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
