War-like stores have been recovered from the encounter site where a group of heavily armed ultras engaged in a gunfight with security forces in the Ghati Juthana area of Kathua district, the Army has reported. The Army confirmed that two…

Arjun Sharma Our Correspondent

War-like stores have been recovered from the encounter site where a group of heavily armed ultras engaged in a gunfight with security forces in the Ghati Juthana area of Kathua district, the Army has reported.

The Army confirmed that two terrorists had been eliminated. The Rising Star Corps of the Army stated, “Relentless operations since March 27 have led to the elimination of two terrorists and the recovery of war-like stores. The operation is ongoing.”

The remaining terrorists are believed to have escaped from the site, triggering a high alert across the region, particularly in Udhampur and Doda, which share a border with Kathua. Search operations have been extended to new areas by the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF in an effort to locate the remaining terrorists.

Initially, it was believed that three ultras had been neutralised, but sources later clarified that one of the bodies was that of a missing policeman who had died during the encounter. From the UAV footage, the body was mistakenly identified as that of a militant.

Search operations have been launched in Billawar of Kathua and Basantgarh of Udhampur district, where it is believed that the terrorists may have taken refuge after fleeing the encounter site. The region is densely forested and contains natural caves, which are often used by ultras for hiding.

Security forces suspect that at least two terrorists have fled the scene with their weapons. Lt. General Navin Sachdeva, GOC of White Knight Corps, visited Basantgarh on Saturday to assess the security situation. He also discussed counter-insurgency strategies with officials.

Four policemen, including Tariq Ahmed of Reasi, Jaswant Singh of Hiranagar in Kathua, Balwinder Singh Chib of Kana Chak, Kathua, and Jagbir Singh of Khour in Akhnoor, Jammu, lost their lives while fighting the highly trained Pakistani ultras.

In light of the Navratri festival, security at the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi has also been heightened, as thousands of devotees from across the country are expected to visit in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Kathua police have strongly denied rumours spread on social media about the snatching of weapons from the policemen, who were killed during the encounter.

“It is categorically informed that these claims of weapon snatching are false. All weapons and belongings of the martyrs have been recovered,” the police informed.

“It is the terrorists who have run away leaving their weapons and kits behind due to the relentless and fearless action of SOG Kathua.” the police added.

During the wreath-laying ceremony, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat emphasised that the loss would not be compensated by words but by actions. “Neither the intent of the J&K Police has weakened nor is our goal distant. Our objective is clear, and so is our determination. There is no lack of passion, as J&K Police is the only force in the country writing its history in golden words through bravery and sacrifice.”