JAMMU, Mar 27: A fierce gun battle erupted in a remote forested area of Kathua district, resulting in the killing of two Pakistani terrorists and the martyrdom of four security personnel, as security forces intensified their operation against an infiltrating group of five militants, officials said on Thursday.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat confirmed the casualties, stating:
“Two Pakistani terrorists have been neutralized, but we have also lost four of our bravehearts in this encounter. Words won’t compensate for their sacrifice, but our actions will. The Jammu and Kashmir Police is not deterred by this—we are the only police force with a golden history. We won’t rest till we stop our neighbors and their terror groups. We won’t sleep till then. We will hopefully have full details by tomorrow evening.”
Early Warning & Intelligence
DGP Prabhat revealed that the security operation was launched following real-time intelligence received on March 23.
“A Pakistani terrorist was seen by a couple in Sanyal village on March 23. That information reached us in real time, and an operation was immediately launched with five of our men. They engaged in an encounter with the Pakistanis, who eventually ran away, leaving behind their ammunition. The two Pakistani terrorists killed today are from this ongoing encounter,” he said.
Ongoing Operation & Uncertain Link to Earlier Cordon
It remains unclear whether the terrorists engaged in Thursday’s gunfight were the same group that earlier escaped a security cordon in Sanyal forest or a freshly infiltrated batch, officials said.
The encounter, which took place near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh, triggered intense gunfire and explosions.
Initial Confrontation & Casualties
During the initial exchange of fire, Special Police Officer (SPO) Bharat Chalotra sustained facial injuries. He was first treated at a Kathua hospital before being shifted to Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu, where his condition is reported to be stable.
Security officials confirmed that two terrorists were neutralized, but at the cost of four brave security personnel who laid down their lives in the operation. The operation was led by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, with Army, BSF, and CRPF providing assistance.
Adding to the tension, at least three security personnel, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), were briefly trapped near the encounter site in a dense forested area adjacent to a rivulet, officials said.
Suspected Infiltration & Escalating Conflict
The officials suspect that the terrorists engaged in the firefight may be the same group that managed to escape an earlier security operation in Hiranagar sector on Sunday evening.
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The group had been intercepted by SOG teams in Sanyal village near the International Border, but evaded capture despite a massive search operation.
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On Thursday, security forces received specific intelligence about suspected terrorist movements in Jakhole, approximately 30 km from the earlier encounter site.
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A police party led by an SDPO moved in but came under heavy fire, triggering a fresh gunfight.
Reinforcements from the police, Army, and CRPF were immediately deployed to the area.
Continuous Exchange of Fire & Explosions
The once-quiet village of Suffain in Kathua district was rocked by gunfire, grenade blasts, and rocket fire throughout the day, with a series of powerful explosions punctuating the fierce exchange.
Earlier, during the search operation in Sanyal village, security forces recovered:
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Four loaded magazines of an M4 carbine
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Two grenades
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A bulletproof jacket
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Sleeping bags and tracksuits
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Food packets and IED-making materials
Investigators believe the terrorists infiltrated on Saturday, possibly using a ravine route or a newly constructed tunnel from across the border.
Top Police Officials Monitoring the Operation
The anti-terror operation has been closely monitored by DGP Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti, who have been overseeing security efforts in Kathua for the past four days.
Conclusion
The security operation remains ongoing, with officials stating that a clear picture will emerge only after the gunfight concludes.
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