Five Terrorists Neutralized in Ongoing Anti-Terror Operation in Kathua, J&K
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Synopsis
The ongoing anti-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district has resulted in the death of five terrorists, with two bodies recovered recently. Three police personnel have also lost their lives while engaging in the operation, which continues to neutralize threats in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Five terrorists killed in ongoing operation.
- Three J&K Police members died during the conflict.
- Seven security personnel injured, including Deputy SP.
- Operation confirmed to target a group attempting to cross into Billawar.
- Local assistance in the operation noted.
Jammu, March 28 (NationPress) The count of terrorists eliminated during an anti-terror initiative in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district has escalated to five after two additional bodies were discovered on Friday in the forest where they had been concealing themselves.
According to official sources, a total of five terrorists were confirmed dead. Concurrently, three jawans from the special operations group (SOG) of J&K Police lost their lives in the operation at Ghati Heights of Sufiyan Jakhole village in Kathua district.
In addition, seven security personnel—including Deputy SP border, Dheeraj Katoch, and a para commando from the Army—sustained injuries during this operation.
The injured individuals have been transported to a hospital in Jammu city, while the Deputy SP is receiving treatment at the government medical college (GMC) hospital in Kathua.
Offering condolences to the fallen officers, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha remarked, “I pay homage to the courageous martyrs of J&K Police, who sacrificed their lives for our nation. My heartfelt sympathies to their families. Numerous terrorists have been neutralized in this ongoing encounter in Kathua. J&K Police and Security Forces are actively engaged. The operation continues.”
The assault against the terrorists resumed this morning with the break of dawn. Based on the number of terrorists sighted in Sanyal village on Sunday, and the confirmation of five terrorists’ deaths now in Ghati Heights of Safiyan Jakhole village, it is apparent that this group had previously escaped from Sanyal village and was attempting to infiltrate Billawar in Kathua district via Ghati Heights.
As per official reports, civilians noticed terrorist movements in Safiyan Jakhole Ghati Heights at 7 a.m. on Thursday and alerted the police.
“Units from the local police and the SOG, led by SDPO Border Dheeraj Katoch, hurried to the location and engaged the well-armed terrorists in a fierce gunfight using advanced weapons such as M4 Carbines. Subsequently, Army personnel, including para commandos, were airlifted, and reinforcements from police and paramilitary forces arrived to participate in the operation,” officials stated.
“Three SOG members, who were among the initial responders, were martyred in the encounter, while the DySP Border sustained injuries. One para commando and six policemen, including the Dy SP, were injured. By last evening, three terrorists had been neutralized. Their bodies remain on a hill and will be retrieved once the operation concludes,” officials further explained.
“The remains of one terrorist have been incinerated. All are suspected to be Pakistanis,” they added.
The fallen policemen have been identified as Tariq Ahmad, son of Kabir Hussain from Reasi, Jaswant Singh, son of Angrez Singh from Londi, Hiranagar, and Balwinder Singh, son of Prem Singh from Kana Chak, Kathua, all serving as selection grade constables in J&K Police.
“The terrorists are believed to be affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) organization. They appeared to be well-trained. The gunfight involved heavy firing and explosions, with the Army employing rocket launchers to eliminate the terrorists, who responded fiercely with M4 Carbines, grenades, and other advanced firearms. Local youths were observed aiding security forces in transporting heavy weaponry and ammunition deep into a gorge,” officials reported.
Senior police officials are stationed at the site, overseeing the operation.
“Special Army para commandos were deployed by air yesterday evening to bolster the perimeter around the area. The bodies of the terrorists were detected by drones and will be collected once the operation concludes,” stated official sources.
