Kathua Attacks: Combing Operation Ongoing After Gunfight Between Terrorists and Security Forces

Jammu and Kashmir (The Uttam Hindu) : A high-stakes operation aimed at tracking down three militants suspected to be hiding in a dense forest area of Panjthirthi-Barota in Kathua district resumed on Tuesday, April 1. The operation follows a fierce encounter with militants that took place the previous night, leading to the ongoing efforts by security forces to neutralize the remaining fugitives. Multiple agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and paramilitary forces, are engaged in the mission, which has intensified due to the challenging terrain and potential risks posed by the militants.

The encounter, which unfolded late on Monday evening, began when security forces, acting on specific intelligence inputs, launched an operation to neutralize a group of militants believed to be hiding in the Panjthirthi-Barota forest area, located on the outskirts of Kathua. As the forces approached the militants' suspected location, they came under heavy fire, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours. Reports from the ground indicate that the militants, reportedly affiliated with a Pakistan-based terror group, had been hiding in the forested area for some time, with plans to launch attacks on security forces and civilians. The encounter resulted in casualties among the militants, although the exact number of deaths is still unconfirmed as the operation is ongoing. No casualties have been reported among the security forces so far, according to officials.

With the militants believed to have retreated into the thick forest after the night’s engagement, the authorities have intensified their search efforts. The terrain in the region is particularly difficult, with dense forests, hills, and rugged pathways that make it challenging for security forces to track the militants. A joint team consisting of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) resumed the operation at dawn on Tuesday. Special forces, including the elite para-commandos, have also been deployed to assist in the operation. Drones and aerial surveillance are being used to track the militants' movement, while ground forces continue to comb the area meticulously, relying on intelligence gathered during the initial encounter. The goal of the operation is clear: locate and eliminate the remaining militants who are believed to be operating in the area, and prevent any further escalation. The operation, which is being closely monitored by senior officials, is expected to last several more days due to the difficult conditions.

The authorities have warned local residents in nearby areas to stay indoors as the search operation progresses. Schools and businesses in the vicinity have been temporarily closed, and the police have advised the public to avoid the forested areas while the operation continues. Security forces are ensuring that no civilians are caught in the crossfire, and several evacuation teams have been deployed to guide residents out of any potentially hazardous zones.

Kathua district, located on the Jammu side of the Kashmir Valley, has experienced sporadic militant activities in recent years, and the ongoing operations highlight the continued threat posed by insurgent groups operating in the region. Security forces are also vigilant about the possibility of militants trying to escape into nearby areas, including the neighboring regions of Punjab, which could further complicate the situation. The operation in Kathua is a product of coordinated intelligence and security efforts involving multiple agencies. The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s intelligence wing, in collaboration with the Army’s Intelligence Corps, had been tracking the movements of the militants for several days before launching the operation. The joint effort aims to not only eliminate the militants but also disrupt their logistical and communication networks, which are believed to be part of a larger cross-border terror network operating in the region.

Sources within the security apparatus reveal that the militants involved in this particular incident are part of a group that had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir through the international border from Pakistan. The group’s objective was likely to carry out targeted attacks against security forces and civilians, further destabilizing the region. Authorities are also considering the possibility that the militants may have been planning to carry out a larger strike during the upcoming religious festivals in the region. The attack and the subsequent operation have further heightened security concerns in the Jammu region, which had been relatively peaceful in recent months. While the security forces have successfully foiled many attempts by militants to infiltrate the region, this latest encounter serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by militancy in the border areas.

The situation has also drawn the attention of political leaders, with several public figures calling for greater security measures to be implemented in the Jammu region. The local administration in Kathua has expressed full support for the operation and has promised to provide all necessary resources to ensure the safety of both civilians and security personnel. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised the prompt response of the security forces and assured the public that efforts would continue until the militants were neutralized. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, adding that all necessary steps would be taken to eliminate terrorist activities and ensure the safety of citizens.

As the search and destroy operation continues in the forests of Panjthirthi-Barota in Kathua, the attention of the nation remains fixed on the efforts of the security forces to neutralize the remaining militants. While the operation is far from over, the swift response from multiple agencies, combined with the ongoing intelligence gathering and tactical coordination, has ensured that the militants are cornered. The outcome of this operation will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the broader efforts to combat militancy in the region. In the coming days, the authorities are expected to provide more updates on the operation’s progress, while the focus will remain on eliminating the threat posed by the remaining militants and restoring peace to the area.