Search ops continue in Kathua, Rajouri

Search operations continued in Kathua and Rajouri districts following recent encounters in the region. A gunfight broke out between security forces and ultras in Kathua on Saturday. A terrorist was killed during the encounter, while a head constable succumbed to bullet injuries late on Saturday evening.

The Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police continued the search operations in the thick forest areas of Billawar where an encounter took place at Kog village. Billawar in Kathua has become a major infiltration route for terrorists.

While an encounter took place between security forces and a group of heavily armed ultras in Billawar on Saturday, another gunfight broke out in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri on Sunday evening. It is believed that there were around four terrorists in Kathua and two in Rajouri.

While a terrorist was gunned down in Kathua, others managed to escape from the security forces’ cordon. The ultras, who entered into a gunfight with the Army and the police in Rajouri, also managed to flee. The security forces launched a major combing operation in the adjoining forest areas in both districts.

A massive search operation is going on for the third day in Kathua with cordon extending to several other villages near the encounter spot. It is believed that it was a group of highly trained Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists who engaged the security forces.