In a fresh escalation of conflict in Jammu & Kashmir, two policemen were injured in an encounter that broke out on Thursday morning in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh in Kathua district. This location is around 30 km away from the recent Hiranagar sector encounter site.
The encounter began when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists near Jakhole village.
Location of the Encounter: Ghati Juthana, Kathua
The Ghati Juthana area lies in the Rajbagh region, which has seen increased terrorist activity in recent days. Security forces including the police, army, and other paramilitary units sealed off the area early in the morning.
The search was initiated near Jakhole village based on inputs regarding infiltration attempts and armed movement. Officials confirmed that the exchange of fire is still ongoing at the time of reporting.
Possible Link to Sunday’s Hiranagar Encounter
Sources indicate that the terrorists involved in today’s gunfight may be the same group that escaped during a prior encounter in Hiranagar on Sunday evening. During that earlier confrontation, a Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police responded to intelligence inputs about militant presence near a ‘dhok’ — an enclosure inside a nursery in Sanyal village, close to the international border.
Despite a brief exchange of fire that day, the militants had managed to flee, prompting a large-scale follow-up operation.
Full-Scale Anti-Terror Operation Underway
In response to the renewed threat, the security apparatus has been intensified. Forces from the police, Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, and NSG have launched a joint anti-terrorist operation supported by:
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Helicopters and UAV surveillance
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Drones and bulletproof vehicles
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Sniffer dogs
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Advanced technical and communication tools
The area between Hiranagar and Billawar forests is under constant surveillance, with reinforcement units scanning nearby forest routes and potential infiltration paths.
Key Recovery and Seizure After Hiranagar Encounter
During search operations on Monday following the earlier encounter, security forces made significant recoveries, including:
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Four loaded M4 carbine magazines
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Two grenades
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A bulletproof jacket
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Sleeping bags and tracksuits
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Packets of eatables
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Polythene bags with suspected IED-making material
These findings confirm the preparedness and dangerous intent of the infiltrating militants, suspected to have entered via a ravine route or newly dug tunnel from across the Pakistan border.
Top Police Officials Monitoring the Situation
Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, and Inspector General of Police for Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, have been stationed in Kathua since Sunday. Both officers are directly overseeing the multi-agency counter-terror operation and are coordinating on-ground strategy and intelligence assessment.
J&K Authorities Continue High Alert Amid Infiltration Fears
The Kathua encounter is the latest in a series of armed conflicts in the border regions of Jammu & Kashmir. With continued inputs about infiltration attempts and militant movement, local authorities have maintained a high state of alert across several sensitive districts.
The focus remains on tracking down and neutralizing the remaining terrorists before they can inflict civilian or security force casualties.
Conclusion
The ongoing encounter in Kathua reflects the heightened tension in Jammu & Kashmir amid increased infiltration attempts from across the border. With two policemen injured and heavy exchange of fire still underway, the situation remains critical. The swift and coordinated response from Indian security agencies demonstrates their preparedness and resolve to eliminate the terrorist threat. As the operation unfolds, it also highlights the evolving nature of cross-border terrorism and the need for constant vigilance. The people of J&K and the nation continue to look towards their security forces with hope and confidence for lasting peace and safety in the region.
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