In a major counter-terrorism success, security forces eliminated three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists including commander Saifullah in the Naidgam forests of Kishtwar on Friday. Each terrorist carried a ₹5 lakh bounty. The joint operation, involving Army's elite Para units, CRPF, and J&K Police's SOG, was launched on April 9 in the snow-covered, forested terrain. Helicopters were used to track down the militants.

Simultaneous operations were launched in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts, as the group is suspected to have infiltrated through Kathua's Hiranagar sector. In a chilling incident, terrorists entered homes in Basantgarh and Majalta blocks, stealing food, phones, and clothes.

Security forces have been tracking this group since March 23. A previous encounter on March 27 in Kathua claimed two terrorists and four policemen. Meanwhile, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Akhnoor's Keri Battal sector. JCO Kuldeep Singh, injured in the exchange, later succumbed. Tensions remain high as forces remain on alert.