Security Forces Expand Anti-Terror Operations in Jammu & Kashmir's Kathua District
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have significantly intensified their ongoing anti-terror operation in the Kathua district. On Wednesday, officials confirmed the expansion of the security cordon to at least a dozen surrounding villages near Najote. This move aims to track and neutralize terrorist elements in the region.
Operation in Najote Village
The cordon-and-search operation in Najote village began on Tuesday. Security personnel initiated this action based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. Intermittent firing occurred between the forces and the ultras during the initial engagement.
Officials reported that the region lies near the Kamadh Nallah in the Kahog forest belt. This same area witnessed an encounter that erupted on January 7th. After Tuesday's brief fire exchange, no further contact was established with the terrorists in Najote.
Authorities suspect that the ultras may have managed to escape the initial cordon. They likely exploited the treacherous terrain and darkness to their advantage. Later, locals provided a critical lead. They reported a terror suspect taking food from a shepherd in the area around midnight before vanishing into the deep forest.
"Following this development, additional forces were rushed to the site to strengthen the cordon," an official stated. "The security perimeter has now been expanded to over a dozen villages surrounding Najote. Our objective is clear: to track and eliminate the terrorists."
Fresh Operation in Rajbagh
Simultaneously, security forces launched another anti-terror operation in Rajbagh, also within Kathua district. The Jammu & Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) initiated a fresh cordon-and-search operation in Rajbagh's Jakhole Baira and adjoining villages on Wednesday.
This action followed a report from a local villager. The resident reported sighting two suspected terrorists near his cattle shed. Despite the swift response, officials confirmed that the suspects have not been traced so far. The search continues in the area.
Recent Context of Violence
This intensified security activity follows a recent tragic incident in the region. On March 28, 2025, a fierce gun battle occurred in Safiyan-Jakhole village. During that encounter, four policemen lost their lives. Security forces successfully gunned down two Pakistani ultras in the same operation.
The current operations underscore the ongoing security challenges in the area. Forces remain on high alert, utilizing both intelligence and local information to combat terrorist threats. The expansion of cordons to multiple villages demonstrates a comprehensive approach to securing the region and preventing further violence.
