Three terrorists including three policemen were neutralised in a clash between security forces and terrorists in the Sufan forest area of Kathua district of Jammu division on Thursday, March 27. A total of four security personnel including DSP of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dheeraj Katoch, two other policemen and a Para SF jawan were seriously injured. The army has established full control over the spot and additional forces have been deployed. The deceased policemen include a head constable and two constables. The bodies have not been removed from the spot yet due to the progress of the operation. The injured are undergoing treatment in medical centres in Kathua and Jammu, where their condition is said to be stable.
Background of the incident
The encounter started on Thursday morning following information about the movement of militants near Jakhole village in Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh. A group of suspects were reported to have been seen in Sanyal village of Hiranagar sector in the last few days, where they had fled after a gunfight with security forces. The clash erupted during a search operation in Sufan forest, about 35 km from Sanyal.
Security efforts and latest developments
Security agencies have been carrying out a massive search operation for the last four days with the help of helicopters, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles and sniffer dogs. Four magazines of M4 carbine, two grenades, bulletproof jackets, sleeping bags, tracksuits and IED making material belonging to the militants were recovered during the search operation. Earlier, the operation was intensified after a resident of Dinga Amb village reported seeing two suspects asking for water. The militants are suspected to have infiltrated from across the border through ravines or a newly constructed tunnel.
Currently, the situation in the area is being continuously monitored through coordinated efforts of Army, NSG, BSF, CRPF and local police.
