A deadly encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Thursday resulted in the deaths of four police officers and two militants. The firefight, which occurred in the forested area near Juthana village, marked the latest development in an ongoing anti-terror operation that has been underway for several days. This clash follows a previous gunfight in the region where a group of militants had escaped after being trapped.
Security Forces Intesify Search for Militants Hiding
Security forces, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and various paramilitary units, had been conducting extensive searches in the area since militants were first spotted by local villagers. These militants, believed to have crossed the international border from Pakistan, were hiding in the forests near the village of Sanyal. The security forces have intensified their efforts in tracking down the militants, who are suspected of being part of a new group operating in the region.
The clash on Thursday morning resulted in the deaths of two militants, but not without significant casualties on the police side. Four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, lost their lives in the line of duty, and five others were injured. The ongoing operation has been challenging due to the difficult terrain, which has slowed down efforts to retrieve the bodies of the fallen officers and secure the area.
Militants Armed with M4 Rifles Infiltrated India This Week
The militants are believed to have been well-equipped, with advanced weaponry like M4 rifles, as evidenced by the ammunition recovered during earlier searches. Authorities suspect that the group infiltrated India earlier in the week, and their hideout in the forests was located after extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, which included drones and sniffer dogs.
The security forces remain committed to tracking down the remaining militants, who are believed to be holed up in the dense forest area. With reinforcements in place and ongoing investigations into possible local collaborators, authorities are determined to neutralise the remaining threats. Despite the heavy toll on the police force, the operation continues with the hope of securing the region from further militant activity.
