Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander of the Western Command, today visited the Bani-Macchedi Sector in Kathua district to review operational preparedness and personally commend the personnel involved in the recent counterterror operation.
During the visit, Lt Gen Katiyar congratulated Sepoy XXX of the Sikh LI Regiment, who displayed exceptional courage by eliminating a dreaded Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist, Usman, in a close-quarters encounter during Operation PARHETAR on January 23, 2026. The soldier’s act of bravery, carried out at great personal risk, was praised as an exemplary display of dedication, professionalism, and selflessness.
The Army Commander also extended his appreciation to the entire team for their relentless pursuit of the terrorist over several days, highlighting the meticulous planning, coordination, and surgical execution of the operation that ensured the elimination of the threat while safeguarding civilians and troops.
During the visit, the Brigade Commander briefed Lt Gen Katiyar on the ongoing security plans for the region, aimed at maintaining sustained dominance and preventing infiltration along the sensitive Bani-Macchedi Sector. The Army Commander emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, proactive patrolling, and intelligence-driven operations to neutralize threats and ensure the safety of local populations.
Operation PARHETAR had successfully neutralized the JeM terrorist Usman in the Parhetar area of Kathua district around 5 PM on January 23, following days of sustained surveillance and coordinated action by the Indian Army.
