By The Sampadak Express
A major anti-militancy operation was launched on Sunday evening, March 23, 2025, following a clash between security forces and militants in the dense forests of Jammu’s Kathua district. The operation, which is still ongoing, is aimed at flushing out the militants who were engaged in a firefight with the security forces in a forested area near the Indo-Pakistan border.
According to preliminary reports, the security forces had received intelligence about the movement of militants in the Sanyal village area, located near the International Border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. Based on the tip-off, security forces initiated a combing operation in the region, focusing on the thick jungle terrain where the militants were believed to be hiding.”
During the combing operation, a group of militants was spotted in a remote jungle area. The militants, however, took advantage of the dense green cover and the undulating topography of the area to evade the security forces,” officials said.
As the operation unfolded, the militants opened fire on the security forces, prompting authorities to rush reinforcements to the area. Multiple security agencies have been involved in securing a tight cordon around the location, making it increasingly difficult for the militants to escape. The firefight between the security forces and militants has intensified, with reports indicating that the militants are still holed up in the forest area.
Preliminary reports from the scene suggest that a young girl was injured in the exchange of fire, though the police have not yet confirmed the exact details or any other casualties. There are also unconfirmed reports of militants attempting to take civilians as hostages in the region, though this information is still being verified by the authorities.
Kathua district, located in the Jammu region, has seen a surge in militant activity over the past year. Several groups of militants from across the International Border (IB) in Pakistan have reportedly infiltrated into the region, fueling tensions and increasing the frequency of clashes with security forces. The ongoing operation in the Kathua forests is part of a broader strategy to curb this growing threat and neutralize militants in the area.
The Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, visited the Kathua region to assess the situation firsthand. The DGP reviewed the tactics employed by security forces to track down the militants and offered guidance on the ongoing operation. “We are focused on ensuring the safety of civilians while working to eliminate the militants who are operating in the area,” Prabhat said.
The security forces have set up multiple check posts and are carrying out rigorous search operations in nearby areas as part of the effort to flush out the remaining militants. Authorities have urged civilians in the vicinity to remain indoors and avoid the affected areas to ensure their safety. The operation is expected to continue until all militants are neutralized, with security forces intensifying their efforts as the situation develops.
The heightened military presence in Kathua is a response to the growing threat of militancy in the region, and local authorities are closely monitoring the progress of the operation. Further updates are awaited as the situation continues to evolve.
