Fresh Encounter in Kathua as Anti-Militancy Operation Enters Day 13: Security Forces are on job

Kathua, April 3, 2025 – A tense standoff unfolded in the Billawar area of Kathua district on Wednesday as security forces engaged in a fresh exchange of fire with militants, marking the 13th day of a grueling anti-militancy operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Jammu region. The encounter, which saw 7 to 8 rounds of gunfire erupt yesterday, underscored the persistent security challenges plaguing the union territory, even as authorities hailed earlier successes in the operation that left two terrorists dead on March 27.The operation, launched nearly two weeks ago, involves a joint effort by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, the Indian Army, and paramilitary forces. It began after intelligence reports pinpointed the presence of a militant group hiding in the rugged, forested terrain of Kathua, an area increasingly seen as a hotspot for insurgent activity. On March 27, the forces scored a significant victory when two terrorists were neutralized in a fierce gunbattle, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles and grenades. However, officials suspect that at least two to three more militants remain at large, prompting the sustained cordon-and-search effort.Wednesday’s clash reignited at around midday when security personnel, combing the dense woods near Billawar, came under fire from a concealed position. “The terrorists opened fire as our teams closed in, leading to an exchange of 7 to 8 rounds,” a senior police official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing operation. “Our forces retaliated effectively, and the area has been sealed off to prevent any escape.” No casualties were reported in yesterday’s encounter, though the situation remained fluid as night fell, with additional reinforcements deployed to tighten the cordon.The prolonged operation has kept the region on edge, with local residents in Billawar and surrounding villages urged to stay indoors. “We hear sporadic gunfire, and it’s unsettling,” said Rakesh Kumar, a shopkeeper from a nearby hamlet. “We just want this to end so we can live in peace.” The Kathua district, once considered relatively calm compared to the Kashmir Valley, has seen a worrying uptick in militant activity over the past year, raising concerns about the spread of insurgency into the Jammu region.Security officials described the operation as a critical effort to dismantle what they believe is a terror module linked to cross-border infiltration. “These militants are well-trained and equipped, likely having infiltrated from across the Line of Control,” said a source familiar with the operation. “Our goal is to neutralize the threat completely and send a strong message.” The recovery of sophisticated weaponry earlier in the operation has fueled speculation that the group may be affiliated with Pakistan-based outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed or Lashkar-e-Taiba, though no official confirmation has been provided.The encounter comes amid heightened vigilance across J&K, with security forces on alert following a series of attacks in recent months. Just last week, an ambush in Poonch claimed the lives of two soldiers, amplifying calls for a robust counter-terrorism strategy. Yesterday’s developments in Kathua also coincided with political turbulence in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clashed with the Lieutenant Governor over administrative issues—a reminder of the dual challenges of governance and security facing the union territory.As the operation stretched into its 13th day, senior officers expressed confidence in its eventual success. “We have the upper hand, and our forces are working tirelessly,” said Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone), Anand Jain, in a brief statement. “The terrain is tough, but we are committed to rooting out every last terrorist.” Drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed to assist in tracking the militants, whose exact location remains elusive amid the dense foliage.For now, the people of Kathua wait anxiously as the sounds of gunfire echo through the hills. With no clear end in sight, the operation serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in J&K, where the battle against militancy continues to test the resilience of both security forces and the local population.