Jammu, April 1 – A massive search and destroy operation has resumed in the dense forests of Panjthirthi-Barota in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, as security forces intensify efforts to track down three terrorists believed to be hiding in the area.
The operation was relaunched on Thursday morning, involving coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, and NSG. The renewed action follows an encounter late Monday night and is part of a broader campaign to neutralize the group that had previously clashed with security forces.
On March 27, two of the terrorists were killed during a gunfight in the forested Sanyal belt of Kathua. The exchange also claimed the lives of four policemen, while three others were injured. The remaining terrorists fled, prompting continued search efforts.
That night, another encounter unfolded, and security was immediately tightened to prevent the suspects from slipping away. According to sources, a night cordon was laid and maintained as part of containment efforts.
“Search and destroy operations were launched at first light on Tuesday morning. Operations in progress,” the Army’s Rising Star Corps posted on X.
It further added, “Acting on intelligence inputs, multiple surveillance-cum-ambushes were deployed in general area Panjthirthi Kathua by Indian Army, Police and CRPF. Suspicious movement was observed on the night of 31 March, leading to an exchange of fire.”
Security officials say such incidents underscore the difficulty for terrorists to survive without local support from overground workers (OGWs), who provide food, shelter, and logistical help.
The detained are reportedly relatives of Mohammad Latief, an alleged OGW currently jailed under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Latief was earlier linked to a terrorist attack in Malhar last year, which resulted in the deaths of six Indian soldiers. Investigators also believe that slain terrorist Abu Tala had once stayed at Latief’s house.
The high-alert operation continues, with forested areas across Rui, Juthana, Ghati, Sanyal, and parts of Billawar under heavy surveillance and combing by security forces.
The operation was relaunched on Thursday morning, involving coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, and NSG. The renewed action follows an encounter late Monday night and is part of a broader campaign to neutralize the group that had previously clashed with security forces.
Linked to March 23 Border Encounter
Officials believe the trio is part of a group that first encountered security forces on March 23 in the Nursery area near the International Border. Though the group managed to escape, they were pursued relentlessly.On March 27, two of the terrorists were killed during a gunfight in the forested Sanyal belt of Kathua. The exchange also claimed the lives of four policemen, while three others were injured. The remaining terrorists fled, prompting continued search efforts.
Operations Intensified With Technology and Ground Action
With intelligence pointing to the terrorists frequently shifting positions within the jungle, security forces launched a comprehensive operation on Monday morning. The area was put under a cordon, and aerial surveillance along with sniffer dogs was deployed to narrow down their hideouts.That night, another encounter unfolded, and security was immediately tightened to prevent the suspects from slipping away. According to sources, a night cordon was laid and maintained as part of containment efforts.
“Search and destroy operations were launched at first light on Tuesday morning. Operations in progress,” the Army’s Rising Star Corps posted on X.
It further added, “Acting on intelligence inputs, multiple surveillance-cum-ambushes were deployed in general area Panjthirthi Kathua by Indian Army, Police and CRPF. Suspicious movement was observed on the night of 31 March, leading to an exchange of fire.”
Suspects Spotted Asking for Food in Village
On Sunday night, three men in black robes entered the house of a villager named Shanker in Rui village and demanded water from a lone elderly woman. Before fleeing, they raided her kitchen for food, taking rotis and sabzi. They even attempted to pay her with two ₹500 notes, which she refused.Security officials say such incidents underscore the difficulty for terrorists to survive without local support from overground workers (OGWs), who provide food, shelter, and logistical help.
Six Detained in OGW Crackdown
In a related development, six individuals, including women from a single family, have been detained for questioning. They are suspected of assisting the terrorists in the region.The detained are reportedly relatives of Mohammad Latief, an alleged OGW currently jailed under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Latief was earlier linked to a terrorist attack in Malhar last year, which resulted in the deaths of six Indian soldiers. Investigators also believe that slain terrorist Abu Tala had once stayed at Latief’s house.
The high-alert operation continues, with forested areas across Rui, Juthana, Ghati, Sanyal, and parts of Billawar under heavy surveillance and combing by security forces.
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