LoP Sharma pays tributes to JKP brave hearts, salutes their sacrifice*
Jammu, Mar 27 (KNO): Three to four terrorists are believed to have been killed, while three J&K policemen died and five security forces personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a para commando— sustained injuries in a fierce encounter at Rajbagh in Kathua district on Thursday.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the operation near Jakhole village in Ghati Juthana began this morning when security forces, acting on credible intelligence, engaged a group of suspected infiltrators.
Today marked the fourth day of sustained anti—terror operations in the area, following Sunday's encounter in Hiranagar sector.
Official sources confirmed the neutralized terrorists are believed to be a part of the same group that escaped the earlier engagement.
A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police (including its Special Operations Group), Army, and paramilitary CRPF personnel conducted the operation. Reinforcements were immediately deployed, leading to intense exchange of fire.
The critically wounded were evacuated to Army hospitals in Udhampur and Pathankot.
While UAV surveillance has spotted 3-4 terrorist bodies, the searches are on. "Our forces have shown exceptional bravery and coordination in neutralizing the threat. The area clearance operation continues," a senior official stated.
Kathua has emerged as a key infiltration route for Pakistan-based terrorists targeting Jammu. Security forces remain on high alert, with search operations ongoing.
The operation involves JKP, Army's Rising Star Corps, NSG, BSF and CRPF. Forces are employing advanced surveillance including UAVs and drones, along with bulletproof vehicles. Intelligence suggests the group infiltrated on March 22, possibly via a new tunnel or ravine route from Pakistan.
DGP Nalin Prabhat is personally overseeing operations from Kathua. He is being assisted by IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti. Searches have expanded toward Billawar forests.
Earlier searches uncovered four M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, and IED-making materials - indicating preparations for prolonged engagement.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma paid rich tributes to three J&K Policemen who died in the encounter. “I salute the three braveheart J&K Police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation during the encounter in #Kathua district. Their courage and dedication to the motherland will always be remembered,” Sharma wrote on X. “We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he added—(KNO)