Operation Cherji

Under Operation Cherji, on 20 July 2025, the Indian Army launched a search operation in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar Sector. “The operation was based on specific inputs (about the presence of terrorists),” the Army spokesperson said. The Army established contact with terrorists during the search operation, and intense clash began between the security forces and the terrorists. Gunfire was exchanged in the area. “The operation is currently in progress,” the Army added, suggesting that the terrorists were still holed up at the site. The operation is part of an augmented effort to counter terrorist activities in the Jammu region, specifically in areas south of the Pir Panjal range. According to a social media post by the Army’s White Knight Corps, contact with the terrorists had been established, and the operation was in progress.

Officials have disclosed that the 2–3 terrorists involved in the Kishtwar encounter might be connected to prior incidents, including the fatal attacks on a Village Defence Guard and an Army soldier. Security forces have been following this group since 2024, having recently pinpointed their location using night-vision surveillance and terrain tracking techniques. The operation was a follow up of security efforts after the 26 June 2025 termination of the core commander Jaish-e-Mohammad Haider, also known as Maulvi, in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur. His associates, who managed to abscond during that operation, were suspected to have found refuge in the forested areas like Hadal Gal. It was a joint operation conducted by Indian Army and J&K Police. The primary objective of the operation was to hunt and neutralize terrorists thought to be linked to Hizbul Mujahideen and other affiliated groups. It's believed that around two to three terrorists, potentially including top commanders with a bounty of ₹30 lakhs each, are trapped in the area, though there is no official confirmation. However, the operation was unfortunately affected by bad weather conditions, specifically heavy rainfall, which ultimately allowed the terrorists to evade the security forces, according to one report. It is an ongoing operation.