Four Security Personnel Killed, Five Injured in Kathua Encounter
Kathua Encounter: A fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists erupted Thursday morning in the remote forests of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. Four security personnel were killed, while five others, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were injured. One of the injured is a Para Commando. Security forces retaliated, killing three terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed front organization, the People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF). It is believed that more terrorists may be hiding in the area.
Search Operation Underway
Security forces have cordoned off the entire area, and the encounter is likely to continue into Friday. These terrorists were sighted in Sanyal village, Hiranagar, last Sunday, prompting a large-scale search operation involving the Army, BSF, Police, and CRPF. Additional personnel have been deployed at the encounter site to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
Armed Terrorists Attack Security Forces
At 8:00 AM Thursday, a villager in Ambanal, Juthana, Rajbagh area of Hiranagar, spotted five armed terrorists heading towards Bilawar and immediately alerted the police. A police and security forces contingent swiftly arrived at the scene.
At 9:15 AM, during the search operation, the terrorists, finding themselves surrounded, opened fire. DSP Dheeraj Katoch and other personnel were trapped in the ensuing gunfight. After reinforcements arrived, the DSP was rescued with injuries, and the counter-offensive intensified.
Three Personnel Make the Ultimate Sacrifice
Three SOG personnel—Balwinder Singh, Jaswant Singh, and Tariq Ahmed—were killed in the encounter. They sustained gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen. The injured include SPO Bharat Chalothra and SPO Happy Sharma, who have been admitted to Jammu Medical College. DSP Dheeraj was admitted to Kathua Medical College, while the injured Para Commando was airlifted to a military hospital.
Local Youth Extend Crucial Support
Local youth played a vital role in assisting security forces during the encounter by transporting heavy weapons and ammunition. Delivering supplies to the remote encounter site was challenging, but the villagers made it possible. Army and police officials commended their bravery.
Security Enhanced at Railway Station and Border Areas
Security has been heightened at Kathua railway station and other sensitive areas, with thorough checks of passenger luggage underway. Following the sighting of five suspects in Kidyan Gandyal recently, a search operation was conducted. Security forces are now investigating the possibility that these terrorists may be linked to the same group.
Aerial Surveillance Using Helicopters and Drones
To ensure the operation's success, security forces utilized helicopters, UAVs, drones, and a dog squad. An army helicopter continuously monitored potential terrorist locations. Four ambulances, staffed with doctors and paramedics, were deployed for the injured.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalini Prabhat, IGP Bhim Sen, DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma, and Kathua SSP were present at the scene. DGP Nalini Prabhat visited Jammu Medical College to check on the injured personnel.
