Police Intensify Search Operation in Kathua's Ramkote Belt
A combing operation by Jammu and Kashmir police turned violent on Monday night as terrorists opened fire on a police team in Kathua district, an officer confirmed. The encounter, still active in the Panjtirthi area of the Ramkote belt, is the third such incident within the past eight days, raising tensions across the region.Authorities swiftly imposed a nighttime cordon around the forest area to prevent three trapped terrorists from fleeing, according to official sources.
DIG Promises Decisive Action Against Terrorists
Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shiv Kumar Sharma assured the public that the operation would continue relentlessly until all terrorists are neutralised. Speaking to reporters in Reasi, Sharma said, "As long as even one terrorist remains, the Jammu and Kashmir Police will persevere in its mission. Our force remains committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Jammu and Kashmir."Security measures have significantly increased, with aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs being deployed to track down the three terrorists hiding in the region. The search covers extensive forest belts in Rui, Juthana, Ghati, and Sanyal in Rajbagh, and parts of Billawar.
Local Woman Narrates Encounter with Terrorists in Rui Village
The operation intensified after reports emerged of three suspicious men dressed in black robes visiting a house in Rui village on Sunday night. According to an elderly woman named Shanker, the men asked her for water. Out of fear, she quickly retreated to another room after providing them with water."The three men forcibly entered my kitchen despite my protests, took rotis and sabzi, and fled into the forest," the woman recounted. She added that the men had initially attempted to pay her with two Rs 500 notes, but she refused, and they left without leaving money behind.
Six Detained Over Links to Escaped Terrorists
Following fresh intelligence reports on terrorist movements, security forces have detained six individuals suspected of providing logistical support—such as food, shelter, and guidance—to the fleeing terrorists. All detainees belong to the family of Mohammad Latief, an overground worker currently imprisoned under the Public Safety Act for previously assisting terrorists involved in last year's attack on an Army truck in Malhar, where six soldiers were killed.Security officials revealed that slain terrorist Abu Tala had reportedly stayed at Latief's house in the past.
Recent Violence Underscores Escalating Tensions
The incident in Kathua follows recent violent clashes in the region. On March 27, a fierce gunfight in the Sanyal forest belt led to the deaths of two terrorists and four policemen, while injuring three others, including a deputy superintendent of police.Earlier, on March 23, terrorists and security forces engaged in a confrontation near the Nursery area along the International Border, from which terrorists managed to escape.
Security forces have concurrently expanded search operations into Samba sector near the International Border, and additional sweeps are underway in Reasi and Udhampur districts. DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat confirmed that the forces have adopted a defensive yet vigilant stance, signaling readiness to counter further threats.
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