Army intensifies winter operations in J&K to flush out Pakistani terrorists

AMID FREEZING TEMPERATURES

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

Amid freezing temperatures and treacherous terrains, the Indian Army has intensified its counter-terrorism operations across Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir to pursue and neutralise Pakistani terrorists attempting to exploit the harsh winter for concealment, sources said on Saturday.

Traditionally, the onset of the 40-day 'Chillai Kalan', the harshest phase of winter in the Kashmir Valley from December 21 to January 31, ushers in a 'temporary lull' in terrorist activities, as communication routes close and heavy snowfall isolates the mountain regions, they said.

However, this winter has marked a "decisive shift" in the operational approach of the Army and other security forces, a source in the defence establishment said.