To prevent misuse of communication during the operation, mobile internet services remain suspended within a six-kilometre radius of Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo. The ongoing operation was launched on January 18 after intelligence inputs, triggering a fierce encounter in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora. The terrorists managed to escape, taking advantage of dense forest cover, difficult terrain and heavy snowfall exceeding two feet. Subsequent encounters were reported at Mali Dana top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25, but the militants again slipped deeper into the forest, officials said. The internet suspension was ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, to avert any threat to public order during the ongoing security operations.