Mobile internet cut off as forces intensify search for terrorists who killed Army man in Kishtwar encounter

After the January 18 encounter, security forces re-established contact with the terrorists on two more occasions, on January 22 and 25. However, the terrorists managed to flee on both occasions.

Security personnel have continued their search and combing operations, and have gone deeper into the forests from all sides.

Official sources said that telecom and internet service providers have suspended all mobile data services, including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, following directions from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, who is the authorised officer under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024. The IGP’s order was later endorsed by the J&K Home Department.

This was done to avoid the misuse of mobile data services by “anti-national” elements and in the interest of sovereignty and the integrity of India and security of J&K, officials said.

The areas where these services were suspended included the six-km radius around Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo, officials said.

As per the order, mobile data services will remain suspended till 11.59 pm on Friday, officials said, quoting an order issued by the J&K Home Department.

For the past two years, Kishtwar’s Chhatru area has seen terrorist movement.

Last April, security forces and police, in a joint operation braving hostile terrain covered under two to three feet of snow and adverse weather conditions, killed three terrorists in the Chhatru area. The slain terrorists were responsible for the killing of a JCO and two village defence guards in separate attacks in the area during 2024, officials had said.