FOUR POLICEMEN MARTYRED IN KATHUA TERRORIST ENCOUNTER

The death toll of police personnel martyred in a fierce gun battle with terrorists at Village Safiyan Jakhole in the Rajbagh area of Kathua district has risen to four, as all missing bodies were recovered this afternoon along with their weapons. Drone footage has also confirmed the presence of two slain terrorists at the encounter site.

Security forces have intensified their manhunt to eliminate the remaining terrorists. Army, NSG, JKP, SOG, and paramilitary forces are using heavy-caliber weapons and explosives to clear the area and prevent any escape attempts by the militants.

Martyred Policemen Honored

The bodies of the martyred police personnel—Tariq Ahmed of Reasi, Jaswant Singh of Londi (Hiranagar), Balwinder Singh Chib of Kana Chak (Kathua), and Head Constable Jagbir Singh, Incharge Police Post Safiyan—were recovered with bullet injuries. They succumbed due to excessive bleeding, as their evacuation was delayed.

After post-mortem examinations at the Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua, a wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the District Police Lines (DPL) before the mortal remains were sent to their respective homes with full honors. The weapons of the slain officers were retrieved from the encounter site.

DGP Vows Retaliation Against Terror Groups

In a stern warning to Pakistan-based terror groups, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat stated that the force will not rest until these groups are eliminated. Speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony, he emphasized that J&K Police remains committed to fighting terrorism.

“We will not sleep or take rest until our impure neighbor (Pakistan) and its terror organizations are appropriately dealt with,” he asserted. The DGP confirmed that the terrorists involved in the Rajbagh encounter were the same group intercepted in Saniyal village near the International Border in Hiranagar sector on March 23.

Encounters and Ongoing Operations

A small police team initially engaged the terrorists in Saniyal, causing them to flee and abandon four carbine magazines, three IEDs, and two grenades. A massive search operation was launched, leading to a fresh encounter in the Panjtirthi area on March 27.

During the gunfight, security forces eliminated two Pakistani terrorists, believed to be members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). However, while attempting to advance up the hilly terrain, police officers were caught in heavy crossfire, leading to the martyrdom of four brave jawans.

Drone footage has captured visuals of the two dead terrorists in combat gear. Security forces are advancing with rocket launchers and explosives to neutralize any remaining threats in the Ghati heights.

Public Outrage and Political Reactions

Following the incident, BJP leaders, including former UT chief Ravinder Raina and MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, faced public anger at GMC Kathua over the police casualties. Jasrotia, who had been monitoring the operation, urged people to support the security forces in their fight against terrorism.

Security Forces Discover Terrorists’ Supplies

Security teams recovered M4 carbine magazines, grenades, bulletproof vests, sleeping bags, food packets, and IED-making materials from the Hiranagar encounter site. Intelligence reports suggest that the terrorists infiltrated via a ravine or a newly constructed tunnel across the border.

The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), a shadow outfit of JeM, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Tributes from Army and Security Forces

The Army’s Rising Star Corps honored the martyred police personnel, stating, “We salute the valor and indomitable spirit of the brave J&K Police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice fighting valiantly during Operation Safiyan in Kathua. Their courage and dedication will always be remembered.”

As search operations continue, security forces remain vigilant to prevent any surviving terrorists from escaping into the surrounding forests. The situation remains tense, and authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious and report any suspicious activitie