DySP Dheeraj Katoch, 2 SOG jawans, and a Para Commando injured • Area under tight cordon; search operation ongoing. More terrorists suspected to be trapped as heavy exchange of fire continues: Police.
Kathua Encounter: 3 Policemen Martyred, 2 Terrorists Killed as Gunfight Continues
Kathua, J&K – Three police personnel lost their lives, and two terrorists were neutralized in an ongoing encounter in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh, Kathua district, on Thursday. The intense gunfight also left three others, including a Para Commando, injured, officials confirmed.
A senior police officer stated that the security forces successfully eliminated two unidentified terrorists. The martyred police personnel have been identified as SgCt Tariq Ahmad (Reasi), SgCt Jaswant Singh (Hiranagar), and SgCt Balwinder Singh (Kathua).
Additionally, DySP Dheeraj Katoch, two SOG jawans, and a soldier from the 1st Special Forces (Para) sustained injuries. They were airlifted to GMC Jammu, with two personnel in stable condition who may be shifted to Pathankot for further treatment.
Gunfight Ongoing, More Terrorists Suspected
The encounter is still underway, with security forces engaged in heavy firing with suspected terrorists hiding in the dense forested terrain. Authorities suspect the presence of additional militants in the area.
“We believe five terrorists are in the vicinity, though final confirmation will be made by morning,” an official said.
Security forces, including J&K Police, Indian Army, CRPF, and NSG, have sealed all exit routes while drones, sniffer dogs, and UAVs are assisting in the operation. Due to the challenging terrain, the forces expect the gunfight to last longer.
Linked to Earlier Infiltration Attempt?
Officials are probing whether this group is connected to the terrorists who previously escaped from a cordon in the Sanyal forest area of Kathua or if they are part of a fresh infiltration.
A previous encounter on March 23 in Hiranagar resulted in terrorists fleeing after a 30-minute gunfight with the police. Security forces later recovered M4 carbine magazines, grenades, IED materials, and a bulletproof jacket from the site.
Kathua: A Growing Terror Hotspot
Kathua has emerged as a key infiltration corridor for terrorists attempting to enter J&K via Hiranagar and Sanyal, moving towards Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar.
In a separate incident, a 7-year-old girl was injured by a stray bullet during the search operation. She was rushed to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
The security operation remains ongoing as forces intensify their efforts to neutralize the remaining terrorists.
