In a major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, three police personnel were martyred, while two terrorists were neutralized. Security forces have intensified their mission to eliminate a group of five infiltrators suspected to have crossed over from Pakistan.
The encounter took place in Rajbagh’s Jakholi village near the Ghati Juthana region, where intense gunfire and explosions were reported. Initial reports suggest that a group of heavily armed terrorists was attempting to move through a dense forested area when they were intercepted by security forces. During the early exchange of fire, Special Police Officer (SPO) Bharat Chalotra sustained injuries to his face. He was rushed to a hospital in Kathua and later transferred to Jammu Government Medical College, where his condition is said to be stable.
The operation was led by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, with support from the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Officials stated that the encounter site was surrounded by dense trees and a small valley, making the operation challenging. Unfortunately, three security personnel, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), were caught in the crossfire and lost their lives.
Authorities are yet to confirm whether the group engaged in the Kathua encounter was the same that had previously escaped an ambush in Sanyal forest or if this was a fresh infiltration attempt. The region has witnessed heightened security measures since Sunday, when SOG personnel intercepted a terrorist group near Hiranagar sector along the international border.
Despite an extensive search operation using advanced surveillance equipment, drones, and sniffer dogs, the terrorists managed to evade initial capture. However, intelligence inputs indicated their movement approximately 30 kilometers away, leading to the fresh gunfight in Jakholi.
During the operation, security forces recovered four magazines of an M4 carbine rifle, two grenades, a bulletproof vest, sleeping bags, tracksuits, food packets, and materials for making an improvised explosive device (IED). These findings suggest that the infiltrators were well-prepared for a prolonged mission.
Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General Nalin Prabhat and Jammu Zone Inspector General Bhim Sen Tuti have been monitoring the counter-terrorism operations for the past four days. The ongoing search and combing operations continue as security forces attempt to ensure the complete elimination of terrorist threats in the region.
The attack once again highlights the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies remain on high alert, with increased patrolling and intelligence gathering to prevent further infiltration attempts.
