NEW DELHI: Security forces intensified their search operation in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Kathua district on Saturday after recovering the body of a fourth policemen and two terrorists from an encounter site in a remote forest area, officials said.
The combined operation, involving J&K Police, Army, NSG, BSF, and CRPF, continues under ‘Operation Safiyan‘. The Indian Army‘s Rising Star Corps successfully neutralised two terrorists and secured war-like stores.
The operation remains active as forces continue their engagement with remaining terrorists.
Four Jammu and Kashmir police personnel died
“Rising Star Corps salutes the valor and indomitable spirit of the brave Jammu and Kashmir police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice fighting valiantly during the ongoing OP SAFIYAN in #Kathua. Their courage and dedication will always be remembered,” stated the Army on X.
The bodies of police officers Balwinder Singh Chib, Jaswant Singh, and Tariq Ahmed were recovered after an extensive search. Their service weapons were missing, though officials have not confirmed if they were taken by terrorists.
DGP Nalin Prabhat led a wreath-laying ceremony at District Police Lines Kathua before their bodies were handed over to their families.
Head constable Jagbir Singh’s body was found in Ghati Juthana forest, Rajbagh, and transported to Jammu for a wreath-laying ceremony near police headquarters Gulshan Ground.
Bodies of two Pakistani terrorists recovered
According to news agency PTI, Officials reported that the bodies of two Pakistani terrorists, suspected to be linked to the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, were recovered along with war-like stores.
Earlier, reports indicated three terrorists died, but DGP Nalin Prabhat later confirmed on Friday evening that two terrorists were killed in the encounter.
Sharing a post on X, on their official ‘X’ handle Indian Army said: “Relentless operations since 27 Mar 25 have led to the elimination of two terrorists and recovery of war-like stores. The operation continues.”
Security forces continue to clear the encounter site whilst extending their search to neighbouring areas, including Billawar heights, to locate and eliminate the terrorists.
Security forces continue their search on Saturday
The encounter, which began on Thursday morning, extended into Friday, resulting in the deaths of four policemen and two recently infiltrated terrorists. Security forces continue their search for remaining members of the group as the operation enters its third day on Saturday.
The terrorists are suspected to be from the group that escaped after a brief exchange of fire on March 23 near Sanyal village in the Hiranagar sector, close to the Pakistan border. “A couple informed of a sighting of Pakistanis in Sanyal on 23rd March evening, and immediately, a group of officers reached the spot,” DGP Prabhat told ANI.
Following this, the J&K Police and Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps launched a joint operation based on intelligence inputs.
Earlier, talking to reporters on Friday, the police chief said, “We will not sleep or take rest as long as our impure neighbour (Pakistan) and its (terror) organizations are not dealt with appropriately. This war is going on and will continue. There will be no dilution in our intention.”
Security forces recovered 4 magazines, 3 IEDs, and 2 grenades
On Monday, security forces recovered four loaded M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, and materials for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the search operation.
The intelligence advanced when a woman in Dinga Amb village reported two men in combat attire requesting water, leading to expanded search efforts.
The incidents triggered protests in Jammu, with Dogra Front and Shiv Sena activists burning a Pakistani flag. Authorities heightened security along the Jammu-Pathankot national highway and border village access roads to prevent terrorist escapes.
The People’s Anti-Fascist Front, affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has claimed responsibility for the encounter.
