Security forces have detained 24 individuals for questioning as the hunt for the terrorists behind the Kathua terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of five army personnel, entered its third day. Efforts to track down and neutralise the terrorists continue, with the suspects believed to be hiding in a forest.
Officials reported that another search operation is underway in the higher reaches of Doda district, where a gunfight occurred between terrorists and security forces on Tuesday evening, following Monday’s terror attack in Kathua.
In connection with the Kathua terror attack, army and police personnel are deployed in dense forests across Udhampur, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. Fresh searches began Wednesday morning in the Lala Chack area of Samba, Manjakote area of Rajouri, and Surankote of Poonch.
The attack on Monday took place on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar mountainous road near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, approximately 150 km from Kathua district headquarters, resulting in the deaths of five army personnel and injuries to several others. Due to the challenging topography, thick foliage, and natural caves, security personnel are moving cautiously, particularly from the Bhaderwah side.
The army’s special forces unit has been deployed for surgical operations in specific areas, supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors are extensively used in the dense forest areas. A team from the National Investigation Agency has visited the ambush scene and is assisting the police in their probe.
In Doda, police and army personnel are combing the Ghadi Bhagwah forest area, located about 35 km east of Doda town and bordering Kishtwar district. The hunt for two terrorists, believed to have been injured in Tuesday’s encounter, resumed early Wednesday. The terrorists remain at large.
In the aftermath of the Kathua terror attack, residents of Badnota village and nearby areas expressed concerns about their safety. They have called for the formation of village defense groups for self-defense and to counter terrorist threats effectively.
“The government should provide weapons and training to us. We are ready to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with our forces against the terrorists,” said Jagdish Raj, a local resident.
Punkaj, a 20-year-old student, highlighted the fear among the local populace but emphasized the confidence that comes with being armed. “We can swiftly move into the forests and help tackle the threat of terrorism,” he said, advocating for a special recruitment drive for local youth.
Shahid Ahmad, who relocated from higher reaches to Machedi due to terror threats, noted the unity between Muslims and Hindus in the area in their desire for peace.