Fourth policeman killed in Kathua as security forces continue anti-terror operation
Srinagar: The body of a fourth policeman was found on Friday near the site of a fierce gunfight in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, as security forces continued their anti-terror operation. The encounter, which began on Thursday, has so far resulted in the deaths of three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists and four police personnel, while two army personnel remain injured.
A fourth policeman’s body was discovered on Friday morning using drone surveillance near the Safiyan area of Kathua, where security forces had been engaged in an intense gunfight with terrorists. This brings the total death toll among security personnel to four, with seven others, including a DSP-rank officer, injured.
The operation was launched after reports of terrorist infiltration from across the border, leading to a day-long battle on Thursday. While three suspected Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were neutralised, officials believe two more terrorists may still be hiding in the dense forested area.
Security forces, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, the Indian Army, and the CRPF, resumed operations at dawn on Friday, prioritising the retrieval of the bodies of slain security personnel, tracking down any remaining terrorists, and clearing the area of potential threats. Heavy gunfire and explosions continued for the second day as troops advanced towards suspected hideouts in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh. Officials confirmed that reinforcements were deployed, and special forces were airdropped to strengthen the cordon.
The encounter began on Thursday morning when security forces intensified their operations against suspected infiltrators in the forested region near Jakhole village in Kathua. This follows an earlier security operation in Sanyal village, Hiranagar sector, where a group of terrorists had been spotted on March 23. While authorities initially believed they had escaped the security cordon, the presence of heavily armed militants in Kathua suggests they may be from the same group.
Officials suspect that the terrorists infiltrated on Saturday via a ravine route or a newly dug tunnel from Pakistan. Recovered items, including M4 carbine magazines, grenades, bulletproof vests, and IED materials, indicate plans for a larger attack. The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), a JeM-linked proxy outfit, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, security forces remain on high alert as search operations continue in Kathua.
The Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army paid tribute to the fallen policemen, stating that their courage and dedication will always be remembered. With two terrorists possibly still hiding, the Kathua operation remains ongoing as security forces work to ensure the elimination of any remaining threats.