Kathua Encounter: 2 Militants Killed As Security Forces Engage Terrorists In Fierce Gunbattle, 5 Soldiers Injured

Kathua: The Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir has become a battleground as security forces engaged terrorists in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the killing of 2 militants and injuring 5 soldiers. The encounter, which entered its fifth day, has seen heavy firing underway between the two sides in the Juthana area. As per reports, among the 5 injured soldiers, 2 are critically injured. The operation has also resulted in the detention of seven suspects, who are believed to have facilitated the terrorists. According to the officials, the Kathua anti-terror operation was launched on Sunday evening after intelligence inputs suggested the presence of terrorists in the Hiranagar sector. The operation, personally led by Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, has seen the deployment of additional commandos, drones, and sniffer dogs to neutralise the terrorists.

The operation has been complex, with security forces having to navigate through dense forests and nurseries to track down the terrorists. The terrorists, believed to be five in number, had taken shelter in a nursery in Sanyal village, around 5 km from the Pakistan border. Meanwhile, the security forces have also been able to recover a huge cache of incriminating material, including loaded magazines of M4 carbine assault rifles and grenades from terrorists' hideouts.

As per the Jammu and Kashmir police officials, the operation has also seen the detention of seven suspects, who are believed to have facilitated the terrorists. The suspects, identified as Shakil, Feroz, Ali, Farid, Gotam, Rafaqat, and Bashir, are aged between 27 and 55 years. They have been detained for questioning and are suspected to have providing logistical support to the terrorists.

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Region Prone To Infiltration

The Kathua district has witnessed major infiltration attempts from the Pakistan-based terrorists in the recent past. The region's porous border and dense forests make it an ideal route for terrorists to infiltrate into the Indian side. The security forces have been working tirelessly to prevent infiltration and neutralise the terrorists.

The region has seen a spate of terror activities in recent years, with several incidents of firing and grenade attacks reported. The security forces have been able to foil several infiltration bids, but the threat remains.

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Vigilance Increased Near Border

Amidst the ongoing battle in Kathua, the security forces have increased vigilance near all border areas with the help of modern equipment and machines. The security forces have also urged the locals to increase cooperation with the forces. Meanwhile, the security forces have been working tirelessly to prevent infiltration and neutralise the terrorists, but the support of the local population is crucial in this effort.

The local population has been advised to remain indoors and avoid any areas where the encounter is underway. The security forces have also appealed to the local population to provide any information they may have about the terrorists or their facilitators.