Gunbattle in progress as militant group responsible for killing 4 J&K cops is trapped.

A fresh gunbattle broke out late on Monday night in the forests near Jakhole village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, as security forces and militants engaged in a fierce exchange of fire. The ongoing confrontation is part of a larger counter-insurgency operation targeting a five-member militant group responsible for the killing of four police officers earlier this week. The militants, believed to have infiltrated the region from across the International Border with Pakistan, are now trapped in the dense forests, with the authorities working to neutralize the threat.

The Timeline of Events

The situation began unfolding on March 27-28, when the militants, who had been hiding in the Panjtirthi-Barota forests near Kathua, escaped under the cover of darkness. The group of militants had initially clashed with security forces in the forests near Saniyal village. Despite being pushed back, the militants managed to flee into the more rugged terrain around Jakhole, where they continued to evade capture.

On the night of March 30, security forces, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army, launched a fresh search operation to locate the militants. The militants, however, opened fire on the search party, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that continued through the night. Authorities have cordoned off the forests to prevent the militants from escaping, and the operation is ongoing as of now.

Sources have suggested that one militant may have been killed in the exchange, while another has been injured. However, official confirmation is still pending as the body of the killed militant has not yet been recovered. The security forces remain cautious as the militants continue to hold their ground in the forested area, making it difficult for the forces to safely advance.

The Fatal Attack on Police Officers

This gunbattle follows a tragic incident on March 27, when militants ambushed a police convoy in the Kathua district. During the firefight, which occurred in the forests near Saniyal village, four police officers were killed when the militants, perched on a hilltop, opened fire on the convoy. The deaths of these officers, part of a dedicated team engaged in counter-insurgency operations, have highlighted the growing threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.

The militants are believed to be part of a larger network operating in Jammu and Kashmir and are reportedly connected to terror factions supported by Pakistan-based groups. Intelligence reports indicate that the group had crossed the International Border into India and had been making their way through the forests, possibly aiming to reach the Kailash trijunction, an area that touches Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua districts. The trijunction has long been a strategic location for militants seeking to destabilize the region.

The Militants’ Tactics

The militants appear to be using guerrilla tactics, relying on the thick forests and rugged terrain to evade capture. The route taken by the militants, spanning approximately 30 kilometers from Saniyal to Jakhole, suggests that they may have been attempting to reach a larger base of operations in the Kailash trijunction, a region often used as a staging ground by insurgent groups.

Adding to the fear and tension, the militants are also believed to have interacted with local villagers. On Sunday, the militants reportedly visited Rajalu village, located just three kilometers from Jakhole, and demanded food at gunpoint. This incident has raised alarm among local residents, who now fear further violence as the situation escalates.

Ongoing Investigations and Arrests

As part of the ongoing operation, security forces have arrested several individuals suspected of aiding the militants. Nearly a dozen people, including women, have been detained for questioning in connection with their possible involvement in helping the militants. Authorities have also arrested six members of a family with ties to an already jailed “overground worker”—a term used to describe local collaborators who provide logistical support to militants.

The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on local networks believed to be assisting militants in their operations. Security forces have vowed to dismantle the support system that enables insurgent groups to operate in the region, and these arrests reflect the growing concerns over the local community’s role in facilitating militant activities.

Regional Security Concerns

The recent events in Kathua highlight the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite significant efforts to curb militancy in the region, groups of militants continue to infiltrate from across the border, targeting police and security forces in ambushes and hit-and-run tactics. The rugged terrain of the Kathua district and its proximity to the international border make it a key area of concern for security agencies.

The tragic loss of the four police officers has once again underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement in the region, as they continue to battle against well-armed insurgent groups. While the current operation shows promise, the difficult terrain and elusive tactics employed by the militants suggest that the situation may take time to resolve.

Conclusion

The gunbattle underway in the forests of Kathua represents the latest chapter in the ongoing struggle against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. As the security forces work to neutralize the militants and prevent them from escaping, the authorities remain on high alert. The tragic loss of four police officers has once again highlighted the risks faced by those on the frontlines, but it also underscores the resilience of the security forces in their efforts to protect the region.

With ongoing investigations, arrests, and a large-scale military operation, the region’s future security will depend on the successful dismantling of local militant networks and the continued vigilance of the authorities. The people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to hope for a resolution to the violence that has plagued the region for decades.