Jammu: Security forces re-established contact early Saturday with a group of terrorists in the Dolgam area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, officials said, as a high-stakes anti-terrorist operation entered a critical phase.

The firefight, part of a joint mission codenamed "Operation Trashi-I," began in the early hours of January 31. The White Knight Corps confirmed the development, noting that the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF are working in tandem following a surge in intelligence inputs.

"During the ongoing joint Operation Trashi-I, contact with terrorists was re-established in the early hours of January 31 in the general area of Dolgam by troops of the White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF," the White Knight Corps said in a statement on X.

Military officials stated that a tight cordon has been established around the suspected hideout and "operations are in progress." This marks the fourth time in two weeks that security forces have engaged the same group of insurgents in this rugged, mountainous terrain.

The encounter site is being closely monitored by senior leadership. Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma arrived in Kishtwar on Saturday to review the counter-terrorism grid. His visit follows reports that a group of three terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad remains holed up in the district.

As a security precaution, authorities have temporarily suspended mobile internet services within a six-kilometre radius of the operation, covering the areas of Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo. Officials said the move is intended to prevent "anti-national elements" from communicating or spreading misinformation while the gunbattle continues.

The Kishtwar region has seen intensified military activity since Operation Trashi-I was launched on January 18. The mission previously claimed the life of a paratrooper during a fierce engagement in the Singhpora area earlier this month.

With inputs from PTI