A tense and violent confrontation unfolded today in the dense forests of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, as security forces clashed with a group of heavily armed militants.
The encounter, which began in the early hours of Thursday morning near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh, has resulted in significant casualties and injuries, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the region.
The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of approximately five militants believed to have infiltrated from across the International Border in Pakistan.
A joint team comprising the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) swiftly moved to cordon off the area. As the forces closed in, the militants opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle marked by heavy exchanges of gunfire, grenade blasts, and intermittent explosions.
By late evening, officials confirmed that two militants had been killed in the encounter. However, the cost to the security forces was steep: five personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), sustained injuries.
Among the wounded, DySP Dheeraj Katoch displayed remarkable resolve, refusing immediate evacuation and continuing to oversee operations despite his injuries. He was later shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Kathua, where he underwent treatment alongside another injured officer. Two additional personnel were transferred to Jammu GMC for advanced care, while one received surgery locally. All injured personnel are reported to be stable, though the intensity of the clash has raised concerns about the potential for further casualties.
The forested terrain, characterized by thick undergrowth and ravines, has complicated efforts to neutralize the remaining militants, believed to number around three. Reinforcements, including Army special forces, have been deployed to tighten the cordon and prevent the militants’ escape. Drones and advanced surveillance equipment are also being utilized to track their movements as the operation stretches into the night.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, alongside Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti, has been on the ground in Kathua for the past four days, overseeing what has become a prolonged anti-terror campaign.
The encounter follows reports of suspicious militant activity in the region since Sunday when a separate gunfight in the nearby Hiranagar sector saw terrorists briefly engage security forces before fleeing into the forests. Authorities suspect the current group may be linked to that earlier incident, pointing to a coordinated infiltration attempt.
Local residents, caught in the shadow of the violence, have rallied to support the security forces. Villagers near Suffain and Juthana have provided meals and assistance to personnel combing the area, even as the sounds of gunfire and explosions disrupted the usual calm of this rural district. The clash has also heightened tensions along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, where security has been bolstered to prevent any spillover.
Recovered items from the encounter site—including grenades, ammunition, a bulletproof jacket, and materials suggestive of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—indicate the militants were well-prepared for a sustained confrontation. While no official confirmation has identified the group, sources suggest they may be affiliated with a Pakistan-based terror outfit, a recurring challenge for security forces in Kathua, which has emerged as a key infiltration route in recent years.