An encounter between security forces and Pakistan-linked terrorists has broken out in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday. Three terrorists, believed to be associated with the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), are reportedly hiding in a forested area and are engaged with the security personnel.

The operation began in the evening in Kahog village of Billawar following intelligence about the presence of two to three terrorists in the area. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, stated on X that the Special Operations Group (SOG) Kathua has been actively engaging the terrorists in the dense forests of Kamadh Nullah. The operation is being conducted in difficult terrain with thick vegetation and in near-darkness, with the assistance of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units.

According to news agency PTI, one of the terrorists was reportedly sighted by locals around 4 PM near Kamad Nallah under the Billawar police station jurisdiction. Sources indicate this could be the same individual seen earlier in the morning at Dhannu Parole, suggesting the group may be moving within the region to evade capture. Reinforcements have been deployed to the area to strengthen the ongoing operation.

Background: Anti-National Activities and Property Attachments

In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police recently attached immovable properties of seven individuals from Kathua district who are allegedly operating from Pakistan and involved in anti-national activities. The action, taken on Friday following orders from a special court, targeted properties connected to cases registered at Malhar police station. The attached assets include over 10 kanals of land in the Lohai Malhar area, valued at several crores of rupees.

Officials said a proclamation had been issued earlier against the seven accused—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—who are reportedly residing in Pakistan. Since they remained absconding, police, with assistance from the revenue department, completed legal formalities under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act and attached their properties to prevent misuse and cut off resources for anti-national activities.

Security Implications

The ongoing encounter highlights the continued presence of Pakistan-backed terrorist groups in the region and the challenges faced by security forces in tackling them. Dense forests, treacherous terrain, and the terrorists’ familiarity with local geography make such operations particularly complex. The swift deployment of reinforcements and coordinated action by SOG and CRPF teams demonstrates the emphasis on neutralizing threats before they can carry out attacks.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and further updates are expected as the operation progresses. This development also underscores the broader strategy of tracking and disrupting terrorist networks operating across the Line of Control and within border areas.

The Kathua encounter, combined with the attachment of properties of individuals linked to anti-national activities, reflects the state’s dual approach of immediate tactical responses and long-term preventive measures against militancy.