Encounter Breaks Out in J&K’s Kathua After Infiltration Attempt
An encounter erupted in the Sanyal village of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir on March 23, following a reported infiltration attempt near the International Border. Security forces, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted a group of heavily armed terrorists believed to have crossed into Indian territory. The militants had taken shelter in a dense nursery area, approximately five kilometers from the border.
Gunbattle and Civilian Casualty
A Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated the operation, which quickly escalated into a fierce gunbattle after the infiltrators opened fire. The exchange of fire lasted over 30 minutes before additional forces from the Army and paramilitary units were rushed to the area.
During the encounter, a seven-year-old girl named Anchal Kumar sustained injuries. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. It remains unclear whether the injury was caused by gunfire or debris during the chaos.
Eyewitness Describes Close Call
Anita Devi, a local resident, recounted a frightening encounter with the terrorists. She revealed that her husband was briefly held at gunpoint inside the nursery area. Her quick thinking and loud screams alerted nearby villagers and may have helped in mobilizing a faster response from security forces.
Massive Search Operation Underway
The area has since been cordoned off, and a full-scale operation is ongoing to track down and neutralize the infiltrators. It is believed that a group of five to six terrorists is involved. The security forces have deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and sniffer dogs to comb the area.
The operation is being closely monitored by senior security officials, with the Director General of Police personally overseeing developments. The use of advanced surveillance equipment suggests the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident.
Security Tightened Across the Region
Following the encounter, security has been intensified across Kathua and surrounding regions. Additional personnel have been stationed to prevent further infiltration attempts and to reassure local residents. Checkpoints have been strengthened and aerial surveillance continues.
The incident highlights the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and underscores the importance of continuous vigilance and coordinated response by security forces. The operation remains active as forces work to eliminate any remaining threat in the region.
