By The Sampadak Express
Two policemen and two militants were killed in a fierce encounter in Kathua district, Jammu, on Thursday. Although there has been no official statement from the police or security forces, sources confirm that the two deceased policemen, including a selection-grade constable, were personal security officers (PSOs) of SDPO Border, Dheeraj Katoch. The SDPO himself was among three police officers injured during the gun battle with the militants.
The encounter follows a series of search operations that began after a local couple in Saniyal village, near the international border, spotted a group of militants on Sunday evening. The couple, Ganesh and Jyoti, were gathering firewood when they saw nearly half a dozen militants believed to be part of a fresh infiltration from across the Pakistan border. The militants’ presence was reported close to the international border, suggesting they had crossed from the Pakistani side.
In the days following the sighting, security forces, led by Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, launched extensive combing operations across the Hiranagar sector. Sources revealed that seven individuals have been taken into custody for questioning, suspected of providing logistical support to the militants. Among them are Shakeel, Feroz, Ali, Fareed, Rafaqat, and Bashir—who have previously been linked to assisting militants in crossing the border.
The police expanded their search area on Tuesday, scouring forests near the international border and along the Jammu-Pathankote national highway. During the search, authorities recovered two grenades and several empty M4 ammunition shells from the area. The day before, security forces had found multiple M4 carbine magazines, a bulletproof vest, and other militant supplies.
Sources also suggested that the militants, after crossing the highway, may have intended to move towards Udhampur or Doda via Kathua’s Ghati area. Despite the progress made, the operation continues, as militants are believed to be hiding in the dense forests with thick foliage, making it difficult for security forces to conclude the operation quickly.
As of now, the situation remains tense in the region as authorities continue their search and recovery operations.
