Clash Erupts in Kathua District of J&K
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A clash between security forces and militants erupted on March 23 in Kathua, J&K. The operation followed suspicious movements near the international border, resulting in an ongoing encounter. Reinforcements were deployed as the threat level escalated in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Clash occurred between security forces and militants.
- Operation initiated due to suspicious activities.
- Reinforcements sent to secure escape routes.
- Region previously militancy-free now faces increased threats.
- Use of advanced weaponry by militants indicates a rising threat level.
Jammu, March 23 (NationPress) A clash erupted on Sunday between security personnel and militants in the Kathua district of J&K, as reported by officials.
According to official sources, a joint team initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Sanyal village, close to the international border in the Hiranagar sector, following suspicious movements in the area.
As the combined forces, including the army, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), approached the suspected hiding spots of the militants, they came under fire, resulting in an ongoing encounter.
The same source indicated that around four to five militants may be trapped within the cordon established by the security teams, prompting the dispatch of additional reinforcements to secure all possible escape routes.
The district lies adjacent to the international border with Pakistan, a location where terrorists have previously attempted to infiltrate into India.
On a related note, three civilians—Darshan Singh, 40, Yogesh Singh, 32, and Varun Singh, 14—were reported missing on March 5 while returning from a wedding in Marhoon village.
Their bodies were located on March 8 near a waterfall at the edge of an escarpment during an extensive search involving the Army, police, drones, and sniffer dogs.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killings of the three family members by militants in the Bani area of Kathua.
Following the incident, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan visited Jammu on March 9 to lead a high-level security meeting concerning the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on July 3, and the imminent inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
The Home Secretary stressed the importance of the security situation in the Jammu division, providing detailed directives on the overall security landscape in J&K.
Initially limited to the Poonch and Rajouri districts, terrorist activities have now expanded to other regions of Jammu, including areas that were previously considered militancy-free, such as the Chenab Valley, Udhampur, and Kathua.
In earlier incidents, well-trained militants have attacked vehicles using grenades and armor-piercing ammunition, alongside M4 assault rifles. Observers note that the use of advanced weaponry by militants signifies a marked increase in the level of threat. Analysts indicate that in recent years, the Pir Panjal region, which separates the Kashmir Valley from Jammu, has seen a rise in militancy, as anti-terror operations in Kashmir have forced militants to retreat into the mountains, where they await opportunities to strike at security forces.
