BSF jawans during the 4th day of the search operation in the Hiranagar sector area following suspicious movements, in Kathua district, Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: Security forces continued search operations for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday to track down a group of terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forests of the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation, which began after the terrorists were spotted by a local couple on Sunday evening, has escalated as the search parties move closer to the International Border with Pakistan, nearly five kilometers from Saniyal village.
A few suspects have been taken into custody and they are being questioned, sources said. The terrorists are suspected to have crossed into India last week and have been hiding in the thick forest area, prompting a large-scale response from security forces.
One intelligence input suggested that two groups of terrorists, each consisting of at least five members, infiltrated on Saturday, sparking heightened tensions in the area.
Local villagers reportedly provided valuable information to security forces. Women collecting firewood near the expansive nursery area reported seeing approximately five terrorists seeking refuge there.
Reports indicated that Anita Devi, a 48-year-old resident of the village, witnessed a harrowing moment when heavily armed terrorists accosted her husband while they were gathering firewood in the nursery. The terrorists held him captive temporarily before fleeing the area.
J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, who is overseeing the operation, assured that the search operation will continue until all terrorists are neutralized.
Security forces have particularly focused their surveillance efforts on border roads, with additional checkpoints set up to prevent any movement of terrorists across the highway. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The operation marks one of the most significant counterinsurgency efforts in J&K in recent months, as authorities continue to deal with threats along the porous border with Pakistan.