An exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, with operations ongoing. Security forces launched an anti-terrorist operation in the Suffain area of Kathua, cordoning off the region to neutralise the threat. (PICS/PTI)
Updated on : 28 March,2025 01:14 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
The encounter, which began on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of three terrorists and an equal number of policemen, while seven others, including an officer, sustained injuries. The operation resumed on Friday morning after a night halt, with security personnel advancing cautiously to recover bodies and locate a missing policeman.
Three bodies of the terrorists were sighted using drones, while the fate of two others remains unclear, though they are presumed dead. Officials suspect that the terrorists belong to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit and had infiltrated from across the International Border in Hiranagar sector.
The People's Anti-Fascist Front, a proxy of JeM, claimed responsibility for the encounter, intensifying concerns over cross-border infiltration. A search operation conducted earlier in the Sanyal forest of Hiranagar had yielded weapons, explosives, and survival materials, suggesting the terrorists’ preparedness.
Amidst heavy firing and explosions, reinforcements from the police, army, and CRPF were deployed, with special forces airdropped into the area. The body of a fourth policeman was discovered on Friday, bringing the total number of security personnel killed in the encounter to four.
Senior officials, including the Director General of Police and the Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone), have been overseeing operations on the ground for the past four days. The Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps commended the bravery of the fallen police personnel, honouring their sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.
Authorities have heightened security across the region, increasing surveillance and deploying additional forces to prevent further infiltration attempts. Locals have been advised to remain indoors as a precautionary measure, with the administration closely monitoring the situation to ensure civilian safety.
