Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter going on in Kathua, Army keeping a strict vigil

An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces in Kathua district once again. After receiving information about suspicious activities in Sanyal village of Hiranagar sector, the Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off the area. Firing started during the search for terrorists, which led to an encounter. Four to five terrorists are suspected to be hiding, due to which additional security forces have been called and the area is being closely monitored.

Earlier too, terrorist activities were witnessed in Kathua. On March 5, three civilians were killed in Marhoon village, following which a massive search operation was launched. Their bodies were recovered on March 8, which spread panic in the area. Union Minister Jitendra Singh termed the incident a matter of concern and said that this brutal attack indicates the revival of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

After this incident, the central government held high-level meetings to strengthen the security system. The Union Home Secretary visited Jammu and reviewed the security preparations for the Amarnath Yatra and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link. Security forces were instructed to remain alert in view of the increasing terrorist activities. According to experts, the number of terrorists in the Kashmir Valley has decreased due to anti-terrorism operations, due to which they are now adopting the strategy of carrying out attacks in hilly areas.

Recent attacks have also revealed that terrorists are now using more lethal weapons than before. Security forces have recorded incidents where terrorists used M4 assault rifles, grenades and armour-piercing bullets. This shows the increased level of threat and makes the challenge for the security forces even more serious.