Breaking News: Anti-Militancy Operation Intensifies in Kathua
Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, April 2, 2025 – A high-stakes anti-militancy operation in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua district entered its second day today, as security forces zeroed in on three militants believed to have been trapped since March 31. The joint operation, involving the Jammu & Kashmir Police, Indian Army, National Security Guard (NSG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) highlights the escalating security challenges in the region.
The operation follows a fierce encounter on March 27 in Kathua, which resulted in the deaths of four policemen and the neutralization of three terrorists. Authorities suspect the current targets are linked to the same group, intensifying efforts to eliminate the threat. The rugged forest terrain of Panjtirthi has complicated the mission, with security forces employing drones, helicopters, and heavy firepower to flush out the militants.
Adding to the tension, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the neighboring Poonch district on April 1, marking a fresh breach of the ceasefire agreement. This cross-border skirmish has heightened concerns about regional stability, with officials suggesting it may be tied to efforts to support militant activities in J&K.
“Acting on precise intelligence, we’ve cordoned off the area and are closing in on the militants,” said a senior J&K Police official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The operation will continue until the threat is fully neutralized.” The Army’s Rising Star Corps confirmed that search-and-destroy efforts were launched at first light on April 1 after suspicious movements were detected the previous night.
The volatile situation has put Kathua, a district near the International Border, under a spotlight as security forces grapple with a resurgence of militancy. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as the operation stretches into its 11th day since the initial hostilities erupted on March 23.
More details are awaited as the situation unfolds in this restive corner of Jammu & Kashmir.
