Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Jaish-e-Mohammad Militants in Kathua
Terrorist Encounter in Kathua District: Jaish-e-Mohammad Militants Clash with Security Forces Near Indo-Pak Border
Kathua, March 23, 2025 : An intense encounter broke out on Sunday evening between security forces and a group of militants believed to be linked with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in Sanyal village, located in Kathua district. The clash unfolded in an area approximately 5 kilometers from the Indo-Pak international border, raising concerns about heightened terrorism-related activity near the sensitive border region.
Authorities confirmed that a manhunt is underway as the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and Special Operations Group (SOG) have all been mobilized to the encounter site. Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat, has rushed to the location to oversee the ongoing operations and provide strategic direction to the security forces engaged in neutralizing the threat.
The Encounter: A Harrowing Experience for Locals
The incident was first reported by Ram Lal Kalia, a village defense guard, who described how a couple from the village, Ganesh Dass and Anita Devi, had gone into the forest near Sanyal village to collect wood. During their outing, they encountered a group of armed militants clad in black tracksuits.
The militants reportedly held the couple hostage, but in a moment of courage, Ganesh Dass and his wife Anita managed to flee the situation and ran back to the village, raising the alarm. The couple was later able to recount the harrowing details of the encounter to local authorities.
“I and my husband had gone into the jungle to collect wood when we were surrounded by five militants, all wearing backpacks and sporting long beards,” said Anita Devi in her statement. “They held us hostage, but somehow we managed to escape,” she added.
Security Forces Take Immediate Action
Following the distress call from the couple, security forces from the Army, BSF, and SOG were swiftly mobilized to the area to respond to the terrorist threat. An intense exchange of gunfire ensued as the militants attempted to flee after taking cover in the nearby forested region.
The Army and BSF, both key forces stationed along the Indo-Pak border, are now engaged in a search operation in the vicinity, with reinforcements sent to track down the remaining militants.
Local sources report that the area has been cordoned off, and the security forces are continuing their efforts to secure the region. Authorities are also ensuring the safety of local residents who live in close proximity to the borderline, where such encounters have become more frequent in recent months.
Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Increased Activity in Jammu and Kashmir
The Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group, which has long been active in the region, has reportedly been stepping up its operations in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly near the border areas. This latest attack is just one in a series of terrorist incidents believed to be carried out by militants supported by Pakistan-based terror outfits.
According to security experts, the location of the encounter is highly strategic, sitting just 5 km away from the Indo-Pak border. This raises concerns about possible cross-border infiltration by militants seeking to carry out attacks in Indian territory. The fact that the militants were reportedly well-prepared, with backpacks and long beards, suggests a high level of training and coordination, typical of groups like JeM.
The Role of Local Defense Forces and Intelligence
Local defense forces, such as the village defense guards and specialized intelligence units, played a critical role in raising the alarm early and providing valuable information to the authorities. This has allowed the security forces to take timely action and contain the situation.
Given the sensitive nature of the region and its proximity to the international border, local defense forces are crucial in detecting suspicious activities and providing real-time intelligence to the military.
Current Status and Ongoing Operations
As of now, the encounter is ongoing, with security forces continuing to engage with the militants in an effort to neutralize the threat. The Army and BSF have reinforced their presence in the area, while DGP Nalin Prabhat remains on-site to monitor the situation closely.
Sources report that the militants are holed up in a forested area, with the security forces combing through the dense vegetation to apprehend or eliminate the threat. Given the increased infiltration attempts from across the border, security measures along the Indo-Pak border have been significantly heightened in the past few weeks, and this incident is likely to lead to further increased vigilance in the coming days.
Impact on Local Security and Border Safety
This encounter highlights the vulnerabilities of areas near the Indo-Pak international border, which have witnessed a surge in militant activities in recent years. The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains volatile, with various terrorist organizations attempting to destabilize the region through attacks, ambushes, and infiltration.
Local residents and security forces continue to work together to ensure that the area remains secure. The timely response of the security forces, aided by local citizens, underscores the critical role of community cooperation in maintaining peace and security.
Key Details of the Kathua Encounter:
- Location: Sanyal village, Kathua district, near the Indo-Pak border.
- Militant Group: Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists.
- Encounter Time: Sunday evening, March 23, 2025.
- Key Incident: Local couple held hostage by militants but managed to escape and alert authorities.
- Security Response: Army, BSF, and Special Operations Group mobilized.
- DGP Involvement: Nalin Prabhat on-site directing operations.
Conclusion:
The ongoing encounter in Kathua district, between security forces and suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad militants highlights the persistent security challenges faced by India near its border with Pakistan. The quick response by the Army, BSF, and local defense units underscores the importance of coordinated security efforts in safeguarding the region and preventing cross-border infiltration. As the situation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant, ensuring the safety of local residents and maintaining a secure border environment.