Encounter Breaks Out in Kathua as Security Forces Engage Pak-Linked Jaish Terrorists in Forest Area

Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir), January 7 An encounter broke out on Wednesday evening between security forces and terrorists believed to be linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in a remote forest area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Security agencies suspect that two to three terrorists are currently hiding in the area and are engaged in an ongoing gunfight with the forces. According to officials, the encounter began in Kahog village of the Billawar area after security forces launched a search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. The operation was initiated after locals reportedly spotted a suspicious individual moving through the forested terrain earlier in the day. Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed the development, stating that the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Kathua had made contact with the terrorists in the forest area of Kamadh Nullah. He said security personnel were actively engaging the terrorists despite difficult conditions. Police officials said the terrain posed major challenges to the operation, with thick vegetation, darkness and steep forested slopes making movement and visibility difficult. Despite these obstacles, the SOG continued the operation with determination. Teams from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have also joined the joint operation to strengthen the security cordon and prevent any possible escape. Sources said that at around 4 pm, a terrorist was sighted by local residents near Kamad Nullah under the jurisdiction of the Billawar police station. Officials believe this could be the same individual who was spotted earlier in the day in the Dhannu Parole area. Based on this information, security forces intensified their search, leading to the encounter later in the evening. Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to tighten the cordon and ensure the terrorists remain trapped. Additional forces have been deployed to nearby villages as a precautionary measure to ensure civilian safety and to block all possible exit routes from the forest zone. Officials said the terrorists are believed to be associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based militant outfit that has been responsible for several attacks in the region in the past. Security agencies suspect that the group may have recently infiltrated into the area and was attempting to move deeper into the region when they were detected. The encounter in Kathua comes amid heightened security operations across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in border districts, to prevent infiltration and dismantle terror networks. Authorities said search and combing operations would continue until the area is fully sanitised. Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified action against individuals allegedly involved in anti-national activities from across the border. Officials said that the immovable properties of seven people from Kathua district, who are accused of operating from Pakistan, have been attached following orders from a special court. According to police, the attached properties include more than 10 kanals of land located in the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua district. The properties are estimated to be worth several crores of rupees. The action was taken in connection with cases registered at the Malhar police station. An officer said that proclamations had earlier been issued against the accused, all residents of Tehsil Lohai Malhar, who are currently staying in Pakistan. As they failed to appear before the authorities and remained absconding, police, with the help of the revenue department, identified and attached their properties after completing all legal formalities under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The individuals whose properties were attached have been identified as Mohd Ayaz alias Adeel Ansari, Abdul Kareem alias Bitta, Sarfraz Nawaz alias Nawaz Ahmad, Mohd Farooq alias Farooq Ahmed, Mohd Hafeez, Gul Mohammad, and Akhter Ali alias Niku. Officials said such actions are part of a broader strategy to curb terror funding, deter local support to militant groups and send a strong message against anti-national activities. Security forces remain on high alert as operations continue in Kathua and surrounding areas, with further details expected as the situation develops. Encounter Breaks Out in Kathua as Security Forces Engage Pak-Linked Jaish Terrorists in Forest Area An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists believed to be linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in a remote forest area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said two to three terrorists are likely hiding in the forests of Kamadh Nullah near Kahog village in the Billawar area and are currently engaged with the forces. The gunfight began on Wednesday evening after the Special Operations Group of Kathua launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs and sightings reported by local residents earlier in the day. Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed that SOG personnel have made contact with the terrorists and are continuing the operation despite difficult terrain, thick vegetation and fading light. Teams of the Central Reserve Police Force have joined the joint operation, while additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and block all possible escape routes. Officials said the sighting of a suspected terrorist around 4 pm at Kamadh Nullah may be linked to another sighting reported earlier in the Dhannu Parole area. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police have also attached properties of seven people from Kathua who are allegedly involved in anti-national activities while operating from Pakistan. The action, taken under court orders, includes over 10 kanals of land in Lohai Malhar. Operations are ongoing and further details are awaited.