Jammu & Kashmir encounter: 3 policemen, 2 terrorists killed in fierce gun battle in Kathua

Jammu and Kashmir News: A fierce gun battle in the forests of Kathua district has resulted in the deaths of three policemen, and two terrorists Further two security personnel sustained injuries, officials reported on Thursday. Security forces have intensified their operation to neutralise an infiltrating group of approximately five militants.

For the past five days, security forces and police, under the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, have been conducting extensive combing and search operations across multiple areas of the Hiranagar sector.

Initial Engagement and Casualties

The encounter began near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh, triggering intense firing and explosions. An initial exchange of gunfire led to injuries to Special Police Officer (SPO) Bharat Chalotra, who sustained facial wounds. He received initial treatment at a Kathua hospital before being transferred to Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu, where his condition is now stable.

Security Forces Respond

The operation, led by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, with assistance from the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, resulted in the killing of two terrorists. Adding to the complexity of the situation, three security personnel, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), were reportedly trapped near the gunfight's location, adjacent to a rivulet concealed by dense foliage. A clearer picture is expected to emerge once the ongoing encounter concludes.

Earlier Interception and Escape

On Sunday evening, a group of terrorists was intercepted by the SOG in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. Despite a massive search operation, the terrorists managed to escape the initial cordon. It is believed that the same group may have been spotted near Jakhole, approximately 30 kilometers from the initial encounter site. Security agencies suspect they crossed into Indian territory through a newly-dug tunnel or the ravine route from Pakistan.

Intensified Search Operation

The terrorists were moving through the forest area when a police party headed by an SDPO moved in after receiving specific information, leading to the gunfight. Reinforcements from the police, army, and CRPF were immediately deployed to the area. The quiet village of Suffain in Kathua district was shattered by the sounds of gunfire, grenades, and rocket fire as the exchange raged throughout the day, punctuated by powerful explosions.

Evidence Recovered

A subsequent search operation, involving the police, army, NSG, BSF, and CRPF, utilised advanced technical and surveillance equipment, including helicopters, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs. Search teams discovered evidence, including four loaded magazines of M4 carbine, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, food packets, and materials for constructing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) near the Hiranagar encounter site.

Senior Officials Overseeing Operation

Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, have been overseeing the anti-terrorist operation from Kathua for the past four days. The operation is ongoing, and further details are awaited as security forces continue to comb the area.

(THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT LATEST DETAILS)