Gunfight in Kathua: Security Forces Engage Terrorists

On Sunday, a fierce encounter unfolded between security forces and terrorists who had infiltrated from across the border into Kathua.

Acting on intelligence, security personnel launched an operation in Sanyal village, located just five kilometers from the International Border with Pakistan. The terrorists were hiding inside a “dhok”—a local term for an enclosure—within a dense nursery.

When the Special Operations Group initiated a search, they came under heavy fire, leading to an intense gunfight that lasted over 30 minutes. Additional reinforcements were deployed to strengthen the security perimeter and hunt down the infiltrators.

Anita Devi, a 48-year-old resident, recounted a horrifying experience when heavily armed terrorists held her husband at gunpoint while they were in a nursery collecting firewood.

“They pointed their guns at my husband and called me near, but he signaled me to escape. As I ran, one of the terrorists tried to stop me, but my screams alerted two individuals nearby who were cutting grass,” Devi told PTI. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM. Upon reaching home, she and others informed the police about the ordeal.

She noted that there were five armed men, all with beards.

Gunfire Sparks Panic in Kathua

District Development Councillor Karan Kumar reported that intense gunfire erupted in the region.

“The entire village is engulfed in fear due to the presence of terrorists. We heard around 250 rounds of intense gunfire,” Kumar stated, adding that security forces had launched an operation to neutralize the threat.

Kathua has increasingly become a significant infiltration route for Pakistan-based terrorists aiming to reach Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar. Over the past year, a series of terror incidents have confirmed this growing security challenge.

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Terrorism Expands in Jammu Region

Over the past four years, terrorists have carried out deadly attacks in Rajouri and Poonch. However, in 2024, terror activities spread to six more districts of the Jammu region, resulting in 44 deaths, including 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists.

While Rajouri and Poonch witnessed a decrease in terrorist activities in 2024, security concerns intensified in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur, and Jammu since April-May last year.

Security Forces Respond to Infiltration

To counter Pakistan-based terrorist handlers and prevent the spread of violence to peaceful areas, security forces have ramped up their operations.

According to official data, the death toll in 2024 across various districts includes:

• Doda, Kathua, and Reasi: 9 each
• Kishtwar: 5
• Udhampur: 4
• Jammu and Rajouri: 3 each
• Poonch: 2

These numbers include casualties among security personnel and terrorists.

Mysterious Deaths in Kathua Raise Concerns

Earlier this month, Kathua witnessed massive protests following the mysterious deaths of five individuals in Billawar tehsil. On March 8, the bodies of 15-year-old Varun Singh, his uncle Yogesh Singh (32), and Darshan Singh (40) were discovered in the Ishu Nullah area. They had gone missing on March 5 after attending a wedding.

On February 16, the bodies of Shamsher (37) and Roshan (45) were found in Kohag village, with post-mortem reports confirming strangulation.

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Terrorist Infiltration Routes Under Investigation

Reports suggest that two separate groups, each consisting of 5-6 terrorists, infiltrated on Saturday. Some local women gathering firewood confirmed spotting around five armed men taking refuge in the nursery.

Meanwhile, a seven-year-old girl sustained minor injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. However, the exact circumstances of her injury remain unclear.

Security Operations Intensify

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat is personally overseeing the counter-terror operations.

The Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps (IX Corps) confirmed via social media that a joint operation involving the Army and police forces was underway in the Sanyal-Hiranagar area, based on credible intelligence.

As security forces tighten their grip, residents remain on high alert, hoping for swift action to restore peace in Kathua and the surrounding regions.