Two Militants Killed, Five Security Personnel Injured in Fierce Kathua Gunfight
Kathua, Mar 27, : A fierce encounter between security forces and militants in a remote forested area of Kathua district has left two militants dead and five security personnel injured as the operation to neutralize an infiltrating group continues, officials said on Thursday.
The gun battle erupted near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh, where security forces engaged in a prolonged exchange of fire with a group of approximately five militants. It remains unclear whether the group was the same that had earlier managed to evade a cordon in the Sanyal forest or a fresh batch of infiltrators.
The initial exchange of fire resulted in injuries to Special Police Officer (SPO) Bharat Chalotra, who sustained facial wounds. He was immediately treated at a local hospital in Kathua before being shifted to Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu, where his condition is reported to be stable.
The operation, spearheaded by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, was reinforced by the Army, the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The intense gunfight saw heavy firing and explosions, leading to the killing of two militants.
Amid the ongoing operation, three security personnel, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), reportedly found themselves trapped near the encounter site, close to a rivulet concealed by thick foliage. Efforts were underway to rescue them safely.
Officials stated that the full details of the operation would only emerge after the encounter concludes. Meanwhile, security has been heightened in the region as forces remain on high alert, ensuring that no further infiltration attempts take place.
