No sign of ultras, search op enters fourth day in Kathua

As the search operation to track heavily armed terrorists entered its fourth day in Kathua, it is believed that the ultras may have fled deep into the forested areas of the region.

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Since an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists on Sunday in Sanyal village, security forces, including the J&K Police, Army, and NSG, have been searching for the infiltrators who are suspected to have crossed into Indian territory from the International Border (IB) in Kathua.

A woman from the nearby Ding Amb area reportedly informed the police on Tuesday that two men dressed in Army fatigues came to her home and asked for water. In response, security forces have cordoned off the area where the terrorists were spotted.

The Border Security Force has also launched an operation to search for cross-border tunnels in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua. While officials have not confirmed whether the terrorists entered through an underground tunnel or another route along the IB, Kathua has become a known infiltration point for terrorists.

The Pathankot-Jammu National Highway (NH), which passes through Kathua, has been placed on high alert, and security has been reinforced at several Army installations along this vital road link.

Sources indicate that some suspects have been detained in Kathua, particularly in areas where terror incidents have occurred in the past. Authorities suspect that local guides or Over Ground Workers (OGWs) may be aiding the terrorists in navigating the dense forests.

Security forces are conducting the search operation with extreme caution, as previous incidents in Jammu division have seen soldiers ambushed during similar operations.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, visited the Doda and Kishtwar regions to review the prevailing security situation. His visit focused on operational preparedness and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. “The GOC appreciated the troops for their unwavering commitment and dedication to ongoing counter-terrorism operations,” the White Knight Corps stated on X.