Security forces on Thursday morning resumed a major search operation to track terrorists believed to be hiding in a forest area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, after an encounter left one security personnel with a minor injury.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The joint operation, involving the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police along with other security agencies, began on Wednesday evening in Kahog village of the Billawar area. Officials said the operation was launched following specific intelligence about the presence of two to three terrorists in the region.
After maintaining a night-long cordon, forces restarted searches early Thursday in the Dhanu Parole–Kamadh nallah belt, a dense forest zone known for its difficult terrain. Additional troops have been deployed, and aerial surveillance is being used to help locate the hiding militants.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti said the operation was continuing despite challenging conditions. He added that teams of the Central Reserve Police Force are actively supporting the SOG in the joint mission.
The gunfight broke out on Wednesday evening when security forces moved in to search the forest area. During the exchange of fire, a bullet struck one security personnel in the leg. He was immediately shifted to hospital, where his condition is reported to be stable.
Officials said the firing continued for more than an hour before falling silent. It was not immediately clear whether any terrorist was injured or killed during the encounter.
Security agencies have also reported suspected movement of three groups of infiltrating terrorists in the wider region, raising further concern.
For the past month, the Indian Army, the Border Security Force, police and the CRPF have been carrying out sustained search operations, verifying the identities of border residents, and stepping up patrols along the International Border in Kathua, Samba and nearby areas of Punjab.
With Republic Day on January 26 approaching, a multi-layered security setup involving the BSF, border police and Village Defence Guards has been placed on high alert.
Kathua has witnessed repeated terrorist encounters over the past two years. During this period, 16 people have been killed, including 11 security personnel and five terrorists. Officials said terrorist activity resurfaced in the district in 2024 after more than a decade, resulting in the deaths of seven security personnel and two militants that year. In 2023, four security men and three terrorists were killed in separate incidents.
Additionally, four civilians have died under unexplained circumstances in the district, with local residents suspecting possible terrorist involvement.
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