NEW DELHI: The bodies of three Jammu and Kashmir policemen killed in an encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were recovery on Friday, as the gunfight in Jammu’s Kathua district stretched into its second day.
The fourth policeman’s body was located in the morning, but retrieval efforts were delayed as two terrorists continued firing from an elevated position.
The encounter began on Thursday in Jakhole village, Ghati Juthana area, after security forces launched an operation against recently infiltrated terrorists from across the International Border. So far, four policemen and three terrorists have been killed, while seven security personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), have been injured.
Heavy gunfire and explosions continued as police, the Army, and CRPF advanced through difficult terrain. It is unclear if these terrorists were part of a group that earlier escaped a security cordon in Hiranagar’s Sanyal forest or a separate infiltration.
The bodies of the policemen—Balwinder Singh Chib, Jaswant Singh, and Tariq Ahmed—were recovered after a day of search efforts. Their service weapons were missing, but officials have not confirmed whether the terrorists took them.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat received the bodies at the medical college before a ceremonial tribute at district police lines in Kathua.
The officers had been protecting the SDPO leading the search party when they were ambushed. The SDPO was later evacuated in an injured state. Three other policemen and two Army personnel are also hospitalised but stable.
Earlier, a group of terrorists was spotted in Sanyal village near the International Border. Security forces launched a massive search operation using advanced surveillance tools, but the terrorists managed to escape and later resurfaced near Jakhole, about 30 km away. Search teams later found weapons, grenades, bulletproof vests, and bomb-making materials near the original encounter site.
Reinforcements from the police, Army, and CRPF were sent to the area, while special forces were airdropped to hunt down the terrorists. Security officials believe the terrorists infiltrated last Saturday, possibly through a ravine or a newly built tunnel.
The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), a front for Jaish-e-Mohammed, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Jammu police officials have been overseeing operations in Kathua for the past four days. The Army’s Rising Star Corps paid tribute to the fallen officers, saying on X: “Rising Star Corps salutes the valour and indomitable spirit of the brave (J-K) Police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice fighting valiantly during the ongoing OP Safiyan in Kathua. Their courage and dedication will always be remembered.”
