3 Cops, 3 terrorists killed in fierce J&K Kathua encounter

A day-long gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district killed three policemen and three terrorists on Thursday. Seven other policemen, including a deputy superintendent (DSP), sustained injuries during the operation. Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, assisted by the Army and CRPF, led the encounter.

The gunfight began around 8 a.m. near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh. Security forces engaged a group of five heavily armed terrorists, believed to be from Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The clash followed intensified operations against a recently infiltrated group.

During the initial exchange of fire, six policemen, including the SDPO leading the search, suffered injuries. By evening, security forces evacuated the SDPO to safety, but three of his personal security officers were found dead. Another policeman remains missing.

Security forces suspect the terrorists are part of a group that escaped an earlier cordon in the Sanyal forest. Officials said the terrorists moved through the forest when police, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted them. The terrorists opened fire, sparking the deadly encounter.

Throughout the day, explosions rocked the area as locals helped carry weapons and ammunition into the gorge. Despite using drones, security forces could not recover the terrorists’ bodies due to dense foliage and difficult terrain. Officials halted operations overnight and plan to resume them at first light on Friday.

Meanwhile, the People’s Anti-Fascist Front, a JeM proxy group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces remain on high alert, as two more terrorists are believed to be hiding nearby.

Injured personnel, including two policemen and two soldiers, are receiving treatment. Doctors described their condition as stable. To tighten the cordon, the Army airdropped special troops at the encounter site in the evening.

Last Sunday, the SOG intercepted a group of terrorists in the Hiranagar sector, about 30 kilometers from Jakhole. Despite a large-scale search operation, the terrorists evaded capture. Police believe these same terrorists later clashed with security forces in Thursday’s encounter.

On Monday, search teams found weapons and supplies near the Hiranagar site. Evidence included four loaded M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, and materials for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Officials suspect the terrorists infiltrated from Pakistan through a ravine or newly built tunnel.

As security forces prepare to resume their operation, tensions remain high. Authorities are determined to track down the remaining terrorists and prevent further infiltration.