March 28, 2025: Kathua (J&K):
A fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Thursday led to the tragic martyrdom of four police personnel while two terrorists were gunned down. Officials confirmed that three to four more terrorists are still holed up deep in the Juthana forest, where the operation continues.
The encounter, which is part of a five-day-long anti-terror sweep, intensified when security forces entered the dense forest for close-quarters combat. The battle saw five other personnel injured, including a deputy superintendent of police, all of whom are undergoing treatment.
The multi-agency operation includes teams from the Army, NSG, BSF, CRPF, SOG, and local police, who have been combing the area since last weekend. The initial exchange of fire began on Sunday near Sanyal forests, and the terrorists — disguised in army uniforms — were reportedly seen by a local woman on Tuesday, raising alarms.
The confrontation on Thursday morning marked a turning point. According to officials, the terrorists were well-equipped with advanced US-made M4 rifles and had managed to evade earlier traps laid by the forces.
“This is a major anti-terror operation,” said J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, who is personally overseeing the mission. He confirmed the elimination of two terrorists and expressed confidence in neutralizing the rest.
Despite the rugged terrain and continuing threat from remaining militants, forces remain on the ground with support from drones, helicopters, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs. Recovery operations for the martyred personnel are still underway.
Intelligence inputs and evidence — including grenades, ammunition, and tracksuits matching those used by JeM terrorists in past attacks — suggest that the infiltrators crossed into Indian territory recently and were part of a coordinated infiltration attempt.
The forested terrain has made the operation particularly challenging, but security forces are determined to complete the mission in the coming hours.
