An encounter broke out on Saturday evening between security forces and terrorists at Sanyal village, located just four kilometers from the International Border, in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. The gunfight erupted after three civilians, including a woman, reported suspicious movement of infiltrators near a dhok (temporary shelter) in a sprawling Nursery area.
Civilians Alert Authorities
A local resident, Anita Devi, along with her husband Ganesh Kumar and brother-in-law, first spotted the terrorists while collecting wood in the Nursery area. She described their number as five, though infiltrators typically move in groups of three. According to her, the terrorists attempted to capture her husband and brother-in-law, threatening them with death if they revealed their presence. However, the civilians managed to escape and informed the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and police.
Security Forces Respond Swiftly
Following the alert, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), Army, and paramilitary forces launched an operation, leading to an intense gunfight near the Nursery. The terrorists opened heavy fire, prompting retaliatory action from security personnel.
A seven-year-old girl, Anchal Kumari, was reportedly injured during the exchange of fire and was shifted to a local hospital, though the exact cause of her injury remains uncertain.
Top Officials Monitor the Situation
Senior police officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, and DIG Jammu-Kathua range Shiv Kumar Sharma, are personally supervising the operation to eliminate the terrorists.
Possible Infiltration via Tunnel or Ravine Route
The terrorists are suspected to have infiltrated on Saturday night, possibly using a newly created tunnel or a ravine route. Security agencies are also investigating intelligence reports suggesting that two separate groups of 5-6 terrorists each may have entered Indian territory, though confirmation is awaited.
Kathua: A Growing Infiltration Route
Kathua district has emerged as a key infiltration corridor for Pakistan-based terrorists attempting to reach Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar before moving towards Kashmir. The Jammu region has witnessed increased terror activities over the past year, spreading to six additional districts, resulting in 44 deaths in 2024 alone, including 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists.
Security Forces Intensify Counter-Terror Operations
In response to the growing threat, security forces have ramped up anti-terror operations. In a separate incident today, security personnel busted a major terrorist hideout in the forests of Poonch district, recovering a huge cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives.
Recovery from the Hideout
The operation, conducted by Rashtriya Rifles and SOG, led to the seizure of:
- 3 AK-47 rifles
- 23 magazines and 922 rounds of ammunition
- 7 grenades
- 4 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- 1 watch-type timer mechanism
- 19 detonators
- Combat dress and 200 grams of heroin
The explosives and IEDs were later neutralized on-site by the Bomb Disposal Squad.
Security Alert in the Region
The encounter and subsequent crackdown have triggered panic among residents of Sanyal and surrounding areas, forcing them to remain indoors. Authorities have intensified patrolling and surveillance to prevent further infiltration attempts.
Past Terror Incidents in Kathua and Hiranagar
- June 2023: Two terrorists killed and a CRPF jawan martyred in Hiranagar sector.
- March 2023: Grenade attack on Border Police Post in Sanyal, injuring a police officer.
- March 2024: Five mysterious deaths in Billawar tehsil, triggering protests.
Army Confirms Ongoing Operations
The Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps confirmed the operation on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Based on intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation has been launched by police and troops in Sanyal, Hiranagar on March 23. Operations in progress.”
Security forces remain on high alert, with efforts ongoing to neutralize the infiltrators and prevent further terrorist activities in the region.
