Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorist Eliminated in Kathua Joint Operation
In a significant counter-terrorism development, security forces and police personnel neutralized a Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist during a joint operation in Kathua district's Billawar area on Friday. The successful operation comes just days after an Army Havildar lost his life following a separate encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar district, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.
Intensive Search Operation Leads to Contact
Inspector General of Police for Jammu zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed that a small Jammu and Kashmir police team, in coordination with the Army and CRPF, eliminated the terrorist in the general area of Billawar. "A Pakistani Jaish terrorist has been neutralised by a small JK police team in a joint operation with the Army and CRPF in the general area of Billawar, Kathua district," Tuti stated.
The operation followed an initial contact established with terrorists in Kamad Nullah near Billawar on January 7, during which the militants managed to escape into dense forests after a brief exchange of fire. Since that incident, security forces have maintained relentless pressure through:
- Continuous search operations using sniffer dogs
- Advanced drone surveillance technology
- Systematic combing of forest areas
During this intensive search period, security personnel successfully busted at least three terrorist hideouts, disrupting their operational capabilities in the region.
Friday's Encounter Details
On Friday morning, security forces re-established contact with the terrorists, who immediately opened fire on the approaching search parties. The security personnel responded with measured retaliation, resulting in the elimination of one Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist. The operation demonstrated the coordinated efforts between multiple security agencies working in challenging terrain conditions.
Recent Kishtwar Encounter Context
This development follows a tragic incident earlier this week when an Army Havildar, among eight soldiers injured during an encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar district on Sunday night, succumbed to his injuries. Security forces have been conducting parallel counter-terrorist operations in the dense forests of Chhatru area in Kishtwar district's upper reaches.
The Sunday afternoon encounter in Singhpora area saw terrorists exploiting their dominant positions on higher ground to target approaching search parties with grenades and AK-47 fire. Intelligence sources indicate that two distinct terrorist groups, led by Pakistani nationals Saifullah and Adil respectively, have been operating in the region for approximately two years.
Broader Security Situation in Chenab Valley
Security assessments suggest that nearly 35 Pakistani terrorists are currently hiding in the dense forests of mountainous Doda and Kishtwar districts within the Chenab Valley region. The winter season presents both challenges and opportunities for security operations:
- Snow accumulation limits terrorist movement areas
- Reduced mobility makes terrorists more vulnerable to encirclement
- Security forces can concentrate resources in known hideout areas
These operations occur against the backdrop of heightened security preparations for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, with security personnel conducting thorough checks and maintaining vigilance across sensitive areas.
The successful neutralization of the Jaish terrorist in Kathua represents a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to maintain security and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, while the recent casualties underscore the continued risks faced by security personnel in counter-terrorism operations.
