Three to four terrorists were killed while five security personnel – including a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a Para Commando – were injured in a fierce encounter in Rajbagh area of Kathua district on Thursday.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Correspondent, the operation near Jakhole village in Ghati Juthana left five security personnel wounded, with three reported in critical condition.
The gunfight began this morning when security forces, acting on credible intelligence, engaged a group of suspected infiltrators.
This marks the fourth day of sustained anti-terror operations in the region, following Sunday’s encounter in Hiranagar sector. Official sources confirm the neutralized terrorists are likely part of the same group that escaped the earlier engagement.
A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police (including its Special Operations Group), Indian Army, and CRPF personnel conducted the operation. Reinforcements were immediately deployed, leading to intense exchanges of fire.
Among the injured are DySP Dheeraj Katoch, three SOG jawans, and one Para Commando. The critically wounded have been evacuated to Army hospitals in Udhampur and Pathankot.
While UAV surveillance has spotted 3-4 terrorist bodies, the encounter remains ongoing in Kathua. “Our forces have shown exceptional bravery and coordination in neutralizing the threat. The area clearance operation continues,” a senior official stated.
Kathua has emerged as a key infiltration route for Pakistan-based terrorists targeting Jammu. Security forces remain on high alert, with search operations ongoing.
The operation involves JKP, Army’s Rising Star Corps, NSG, BSF and CRPF. Forces are employing advanced surveillance including UAVs and drones, along with bulletproof vehicles. Intelligence suggests the group infiltrated on March 22, possibly via a new tunnel or ravine route from Pakistan.
DGP Nalin Prabhat is personally overseeing operations from Kathua, assisted by IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti. Searches have expanded toward Billawar forest after tracking the terrorists’ movement.
Earlier searches uncovered four M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, and IED-making materials – indicating preparations for prolonged engagement.
Kathua’s strategic location along the International Border (IB) has made it a critical infiltration point, prompting enhanced counter-terror measures in recent months—(KNO)
