Kathua encounter: 2 Pakistanis, 4 JKP personnel martyred.
With the recovery of Head Constable Jagbir Chowdhary’s body, the official death toll of police personnel in the ongoing Kathua encounter has risen to four. The fierce gunfight, which began on Thursday morning, has also resulted in the killing of two Pakistani terrorists. Security forces continue to engage in operations to neutralize any remaining threats. The encounter underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in countering cross-border terrorism and ensuring regional security in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kathua Encounter: 2 Pakistani Terrorists Killed, 4 J&K Police Personnel Martyred, Says DGP
Jammu, March 28: In a major anti-terror operation, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat confirmed on Friday that two Pakistani terrorists were killed and four Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) personnel were martyred in an intense encounter in the Sufain forest area of Juthana, Kathua district.
Security Forces Eliminate Terrorists in Kathua Encounter
Speaking to the media in Kathua late in the evening, DGP Prabhat reaffirmed the security forces’ determination in their fight against terrorism. He emphasized that the war against terrorists and their sponsors was ongoing and would continue without any dilution in the resolve of JKP and other security forces.
The encounter began on Thursday morning, and as the anti-terrorist operation resumed, security forces recovered the body of another police officer, bringing the total number of police personnel martyred to four. Despite eliminating two terrorists, security forces have yet to retrieve their bodies from the encounter site.
How the Encounter Unfolded
DGP Prabhat revealed that the presence of Pakistani terrorists was first reported by a couple in Sanyal village on the evening of March 23. They immediately informed the police, prompting a rapid response by JKP officers. A small team of five personnel was dispatched to the area, leading to an initial gunfight.
“You could well see and judge those Pakistanis as they ran away, leaving behind four M4 Carbine magazines, three IEDs, two grenades, and other miscellaneous items,” the DGP stated.
Over the next four days, security forces—including the Army, CRPF, and BSF—conducted a massive combing operation. Intelligence reports later indicated that the terrorists had moved towards the Sufain area. Acting swiftly, the forces launched an operation on Wednesday night, leading to the deadly confrontation on Thursday.
During the operation, a valiant team of JKP officers engaged the terrorists, successfully eliminating two of them. However, the terrorists, using their elevated and advantageous position in the rugged terrain, managed to fatally ambush four police personnel.
Sacrifices and Resolve of Security Forces
Among the martyred officers was Head Constable Jagbir Chowdhary, whose body was recovered on Friday. The other three fallen officers were identified as:
- SgCT Tariq Ahmed, son of Kabir Hussain from Reasi
- SgCT Jaswant Singh, son of Angrez Singh from Londi, Hiranagar
- SgCT Balwinder Singh Chib, son of Prem Singh from Kanna Chak, Kathua
The injured included Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Dheeraj Katoch, a Para commando, and other personnel.
DGP Prabhat paid tribute to the fallen officers, stating, “The loss of our martyred personnel cannot be compensated by words but by our actions. JKP’s courage and sacrifice are written in golden words in history and will continue to be so.”
He vowed that security forces would not rest until terrorist organizations and their backers across the border were neutralized. “This war is on and will continue. There will be no dilution in our resolve,” he asserted.
Challenges in the Operation
Retrieving the bodies of the slain police personnel was a priority for the security forces due to the difficult terrain. “The area is rugged, with rocky climbs, caves, and dense forest cover, making the operation extremely challenging,” DGP Prabhat said.
The joint operation, comprising JKP, Army, Para forces, and CRPF, remained active on Friday. But hopefully, by tomorrow evening, everything will be clear,” he added.
While two terrorists have been confirmed killed, reports suggest that the number could be higher. However, security forces will confirm the final count only after the combing operation is completed.
Broader Anti-Terrorism Efforts in Jammu and Kashmir
The Kathua encounter is part of a larger effort to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. A massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was also launched on Friday morning in the forested areas of Reasi and Katra following intelligence inputs of suspicious movement.
Security forces, using helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs, have intensified their search efforts in an attempt to locate any remaining terrorists. While no contact has been established yet, combing operations continue.
Meanwhile, in Sanyal village, where the first sighting of the terrorists occurred, a local woman reported an alarming incident on March 25. Two men, dressed in Army uniforms, had approached her family for water before disappearing into the forests. This information prompted an intensification of search efforts in the region.
Senior Officers Lead the Operation
The ongoing operation has been closely monitored by top security officials, including:
- DGP Nalin Prabhat
- CRPF IG and other senior officers
DGP Prabhat personally visited Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu to check on the injured officers. He assured that all efforts were being made to neutralize the remaining terrorists.
Conclusion
The Kathua encounter has once again highlighted the sacrifices made by the security forces in their relentless battle against terrorism. While two Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated, the loss of four brave JKP officers is a reminder of the high price paid in this ongoing war.
As search and combing operations continue, security forces remain vigilant in ensuring that the nefarious designs of terrorist groups do not succeed. The resilience and determination of the Indian security forces stand as a testament to their commitment to protecting the nation.