Kathua: An exchange of fire began between security forces and terrorists in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening. According to an official, security forces were carrying out cordon and search operations in the Sanyal area of Hiranagar, close to the International Border (IB) with Pakistan, when 3-4 terrorists were spotted.
The official also said that a seven-year-old girl named Anchal Kumari was injured in the exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists. She has been shifted to a hospital by the security forces, where doctors said she is stable.
“Personnel of the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police have engaged the terrorists, who seem to have been surrounded. The encounter is expected to continue for a long time, as the area is heavily forested. It has also got dark and operations may have to be suspended for the night,” an official said.
Hindus, a minority in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, enjoy a majority status in the district of Kathua. This may be one reason behind terrorists from across the IB targetting this district. A few days ago, three villagers, including a 15-year-old boy, went missing, while returning home from a wedding. Their bodies were later recovered from a nearby stream. Investigations revealed that they had been killed and then thrown into the water.
A similar incident was reported from the district a few months ago. These killings of innocents, led to widespread criticism across all circles. Not only the BJP – the main Opposition party in the state – but even the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the killings.
Security forces have not been spared either. In July, 2024, an Army convoy was attacked in Kathua, resulting in the deaths of five personnel. It came to be known that the terrorists used armour piercing bullets and grenades in the attack.
Meanwhile, reinforcements, as well as drones and other equipment have been sent to Hiranagar to assist in the ongoing encounter. Security forces are strengthening the cordon as there are apprehensions of the trapped terrorists making a break for it, with the support of covering fire from Pakistan.
