An Ongoing Anti-Terror Operation in Kathua District Enters Second Day
Security forces are currently engaged in an anti-terror operation in the Kathua district of Jammu. The encounter, which started on Wednesday, has entered its second day as security forces continue their search operation. The operation resumed on Thursday morning after a night of cordon and officials have intensified search operations in the Kamadh Nallah area and the Dhanu Parole-Kamadh Nallah belt.
The gunfight began on Wednesday evening following an exchange of gunfire between terrorists and Special Operations Group (SoG) personnel at Kahog village in Billawar. This was based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists hiding in the forest area.
During the initial encounter, heavy firing took place for over an hour, resulting in a security personnel sustaining a minor bullet injury. The injured personnel was quickly hospitalized. Additional reinforcements were immediately sent to the area to strengthen the cordon and prevent the terrorists from escaping.
The operation has been expanded with the deployment of specialized teams from the Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to assist in tracking down the terrorists. Aerial surveillance has also been initiated to locate the terrorists hiding in dense forest areas.
Although there have been no reports of fresh gunfire since Thursday morning, security agencies suspect that two to three terrorists may still be in the vicinity. Additionally, there have been reports of movement of infiltrating terrorist groups in the region.
On Thursday, a well-constructed terrorist hideout was discovered near the Kamadh Nallah area. Various items such as utensils, food, clothes, and other incriminating material were recovered from the hideout.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed the operation and stated that the security forces are relentlessly engaging the terrorists despite the challenges posed by darkness and difficult terrain.
Search operations are ongoing, with security forces maintaining a high level of alertness to neutralize any remaining threats. Joint search operations involving the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Police, and CRPF are being conducted in the area.
Furthermore, a multi-tier security grid has been activated ahead of Republic Day on January 26, with the BSF, Border Police, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) on high alert.
History of Encounters in Kathua District
Kathua has witnessed several encounters in the past two years, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, including security personnel and terrorists. In 2024, seven security personnel and two terrorists were killed, while in 2023, seven individuals, including security personnel and terrorists, lost their lives.
Additionally, four civilians have died under mysterious circumstances, with locals suspecting terror involvement.
