A fierce gunbattle in the Juthana area of Kathua district claimed the lives of three terrorists and three Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel on Friday, while three others, including an Army Para commando, were injured, officials reported.
According to sources speaking to GNS, the encounter unfolded in a forested region after security forces acted on intelligence about terrorist presence.
Three policemen—identified as Tariq Ahmad, son of Kabir Hussain from Reasi; Jaswant Singh, son of Angrez Singh from Londi, Hiranagar; and Balwinder Singh, son of Prem Singh from Kanna Chak, Kathua—were killed in the exchange of fire.
Three terrorists were also neutralized during the operation.
Among the injured, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and another policeman are stable and receiving treatment at a hospital, while an Army Para commando has been airlifted for advanced medical care. The operation, overseen by Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior officials, saw intense combat as security forces engaged the militants.
Search operations in the area remain underway as authorities work to secure the region and gather further details. The encounter marks a significant escalation in efforts to counter terrorism in Kathua, with top brass closely monitoring developments on the ground. (GNS)
