Kathua: A search operation to apprehend a group of terrorists believed to have infiltrated into Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir entered its second day on Monday, officials confirmed. The operation, led by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, was intensified with additional commandos, drones, and sniffer dogs deployed to comb through the dense jungles of Sanyal village, located around five kilometers from the International Border with Pakistan.
The operation was initiated following credible intelligence that terrorists had sought refuge in a ‘dhok,’ a local term for an enclosure, within a nursery in the area. Upon entering the site, security personnel from the Special Operations Group came under heavy fire from the terrorists, leading to an intense gunfight that lasted more than 30 minutes.
“We received information that two groups of terrorists, each comprising five to six members, infiltrated the area on Saturday. We launched an immediate manhunt and reinforced the security teams to ensure the terrorists are apprehended,” an official said.
While no casualties have been reported from the initial exchange of gunfire, the area has been under a strict security cordon since Sunday evening, with forces surrounding the site at daybreak on Monday. Security officials reported that there had been no fresh contact with the terrorists as of the latest updates.
In the meantime, local villagers have reported sightings of the terrorists in the nursery area. One woman, Anita Devi (48), recounted a chilling encounter when terrorists held her husband at gunpoint while they were collecting firewood. She managed to escape after shouting for help, attracting the attention of nearby villagers. A stray bullet during the incident injured a seven-year-old girl, who has since been treated at a local hospital.
Security experts warned that Kathua has become a significant route for Pakistan-based terrorists infiltrating the region, as evidenced by several attacks over the past year. This marks a troubling trend as terror activities have expanded into new districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur.
District Development Councillor Karan Kumar described the situation as tense, stating, “We heard over 250 rounds of gunfire. There is a palpable atmosphere of fear in the village due to the terrorists’ presence.”
Authorities have responded to the escalating threat by ramping up operations across the region, particularly following several deadly attacks in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the past years. A significant rise in terror incidents across the Jammu region in 2024 has further escalated security concerns, prompting relentless counter-terrorism measures by security forces.
The security situation in the region has been precarious, with recent violence also linked to the mysterious deaths of five individuals in Billawar tehsil earlier this month. These killings, coupled with the ongoing threat of terrorism, have heightened tensions across the district.
As of now, authorities continue to focus on the operation to neutralize the terrorists and restore peace in the region.
Tags: Northlines, Jammu and Kashmir
