Three Jammu and Kashmir policemen died in an intense encounter with Pakistani terrorists in Kathua district on Thursday as per reports. Meanwhile, security forces killed three terrorists during the day-long battle.
Deadly Gunfight in Sufain Forest
The clash began when security personnel searched the Sufain forest and suddenly faced gunfire from hidden militants. As a result, DSP Dheeraj Katoch, two other policemen, and an Army soldier from the 1 PARA (Special Forces) unit suffered injuries. Consequently, authorities sealed the area and sent additional forces to prevent further attacks.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="1080px" width="1920px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Security Forces Suffer Casualties
Officials confirmed that a head constable and two constables lost their lives. However, their bodies had not yet been retrieved as the operation continued. Notably, the encounter involved multiple explosions from grenades and rocket fire.
“The gunfire continued throughout the day,” an official told Times of India. Additionally, the injured security personnel were taken to hospitals in Kathua and Jammu. Fortunately, they are in stable condition.
Attackers Linked to Earlier Gunfight
Authorities believe the terrorists were the same ones who escaped after a brief clash near Sanyal village in the Hiranagar sector, near the Pakistan border, on Sunday evening. Importantly, the Sufain forest, where the latest battle happened, is about 35 kilometers from Sanyal.
Extensive Manhunt Launched
Security forces surrounded a remote mountain hut used by nomadic herders, where the terrorists had hidden. However, they escaped, triggering a large-scale manhunt. Currently, the search, now in its fourth day, involves the Army, NSG, BSF, CRPF, and J&K Police. Furthermore, they are using surveillance tools, bulletproof vehicles, UAVs, drones, and sniffer dogs to track down any remaining threats.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
On Monday, security forces found several items left by the terrorists, including four loaded M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, and materials for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
A major lead emerged the next day when a woman in Dinga Amb village reported that two men in combat gear had asked her for water. Consequently, this information led security forces to expand their search efforts, closing in on potential hideouts.
The situation remains tense as security forces continue operations to eliminate threats.
