Kathua Terror Encounter: 2 Policemen Killed, 3 Terrorists Neutralised In 1 Week Battle

Kathua: A fierce gun battle between security forces and infiltrating terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district has left two Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) jawans martyred and six others injured. The massive encounter, ongoing for the past around 1 week, has also resulted in the elimination of three terrorists. According to the sources, the security forces, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted a heavily armed group of around five terrorists near Jakhole village. The initial exchange of fire injured Special Police Officer (SPO) Bharat Chalotra, who was later transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu in stable condition. However, three JKP personnel lost their lives in the intense firefight.

The officials stated that the operation involved the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, the Army, BSF, and CRPF, with reinforcements quickly deployed to the area. The security personnel found themselves trapped in a dense forest near a rivulet, leading to a prolonged confrontation with militants.

Earlier, the security forces had intercepted a group of terrorists in the Hiranagar sector on Sunday evening, prompting an extensive search operation involving NSG, drones, UAVs, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs. The evidence discovered at the Hiranagar encounter site included four loaded M4 carbine magazines, two grenades and a bulletproof jacket and sleeping bags, food packets, and IED-making material. 

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DGP Supervising The Operation

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti have been stationed in Kathua for the past four days, closely monitoring the counter-terrorism operation. In the ongoing gunfight, at least 2 JKP jawans have been martyred, while six others have sustained injuries. So far, three terrorists have been killed by the security forces in the ongoing encounter. 

Further details regarding the ongoing encounter are awaited.