A large-scale security operation is ongoing for the third day in the forested Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, to locate a group of infiltrating terrorists. The operation, led by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, began after an encounter on Sunday evening between security forces and terrorists hiding in a nursery.
Security forces, including army commandos, are using helicopters, sniffer dogs, and drones to search the cordoned-off area. Gunfire was heard as troops moved deeper into the forest, though officials clarified it was likely speculative firing due to suspected movement.
The search was initiated after intelligence revealed terrorist presence in a “dhok” (enclosure) near Sanyal village, close to the Pakistan border. An intense gunfight ensued after the terrorists fired upon a police Special Operations Group. Security forces believe the terrorists infiltrated on Saturday, possibly through a ravine or a newly constructed tunnel.
So far, there have been no reported casualties among security forces. During the search, they recovered four loaded M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, food packets, and unidentified polythene bags.
The police chief and Inspector General of Police are overseeing the operation on the ground. Local villagers are providing support by organizing a community kitchen for security personnel and media.
Witness accounts indicate that villagers collecting firewood encountered the heavily armed terrorists. A seven-year-old girl sustained minor injuries from a stray bullet, and a villager, Anita Devi, reported that terrorists held her husband at gunpoint before she escaped and alerted authorities. The terrorists were described as having beards and wearing commando-style clothing. Intelligence suggests that two groups, each consisting of approximately five terrorists, infiltrated the area.
