Jammu, Mar 28: Three to four terrorists are believed to have been killed, while three J&K policemen died and five security forces personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a para commando— sustained injuries in a fierce encounter at Rajbagh in Kathua district on Thursday.
According to the details available the operation near Jakhole village in Ghati Juthana began this morning when security forces, acting on credible intelligence, engaged a group of suspected infiltrators.
Today marked the fourth day of sustained anti—terror operations in the area, following Sunday’s encounter in Hiranagar sector.
Quoting official sources news agency KNO confirmed the neutralized terrorists are believed to be a part of the same group that escaped the earlier engagement.
Strong Winds Cause Widespread Damage Across Kashmir
A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police (including its Special Operations Group), Army, and paramilitary CRPF personnel conducted the operation. Reinforcements were immediately deployed, leading to intense exchange of fire.
The critically wounded were evacuated to Army hospitals in Udhampur and Pathankot.
While UAV surveillance has spotted 3-4 terrorist bodies, the searches are on. “Our forces have shown exceptional bravery and coordination in neutralizing the threat. The area clearance operation continues,” a senior official stated.
Kathua has emerged as a key infiltration route for Pakistan-based terrorists targeting Jammu. Security forces remain on high alert, with search operations ongoing.
The operation involves JKP, Army’s Rising Star Corps, NSG, BSF and CRPF. Forces are employing advanced surveillance including UAVs and drones, along with bulletproof vehicles. Intelligence suggests the group infiltrated on March 22, possibly via a new tunnel or ravine route from Pakistan.
DGP Nalin Prabhat is personally overseeing operations from Kathua. He is being assisted by IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti. Searches have expanded toward Billawar forests.
Earlier searches uncovered four M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, and IED-making materials – indicating preparations for prolonged engagement.
Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha paid rich tributes to Policemen killed in the encounter.
In a post on X, “I bow to the valorous martyrs of J&K Police, who laid down their lives for our motherland. My deepest condolences to their families. In ongoing Kathua encounter several terrorists were neutralised. J&K Police & Security Forces are on the job. Operation in progress,” Office of LG on X.
