Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Terrorists in J&K’s Kathua

An encounter broke out on Wednesday between security forces and terrorists believed to be Pakistan-sponsored in a remote area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Security agencies believe three terrorists linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit are hiding in the area and are currently engaged in a firefight with forces.

The encounter began in Kahog village of Billawar after security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists.

“SOG Kathua has engaged terrorists in the forest area of Kamadh Nullah, Kathua,” Inspector General of Police (Jammu zone) Bhim Sen Tuti said in a post on X.

Despite darkness, dense vegetation and difficult terrain, the Special Operations Group (SOG) continued to engage the terrorists. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams have also joined the joint operation.

According to PTI sources, at around 4 pm, a terrorist was spotted by locals in Kamad Nallah under the Billawar police station area. Sources said he could be the same terrorist who was seen earlier in the day in the Dhannu Parole area.

Properties of Seven Attached for ‘Anti-National’ Activities

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached immovable properties of seven people from Kathua district allegedly involved in anti-national activities while operating from Pakistan.

The action was taken following orders of a special court in connection with cases registered at the Malhar police station, officials told PTI. The attached assets include more than 10 kanals of land in the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua district, valued at crores of rupees.

“A proclamation had earlier been issued against the seven accused, all residents of Tehsil Lohai Malhar, who are presently staying in Pakistan. As they remained absconding, police, with the assistance of the revenue department, identified and attached their immovable properties after completing all legal formalities under the BNSS,” an officer said.

Those 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, police said.