Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their search for militants following an exchange of fire in Kathua on Sunday. In an unprecedented move, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat personally joined the combing operations in the dense forests on Monday, armed with an AK-47.
This marks the first time in over 30 years that a J&K police chief has actively participated in such an operation. Alongside Prabhat, top officers including Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti, DIG (Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range) Shiv Kumar Sharma, Kathua SSP Shobhit Saksena, and SP (Operations) Nasir Khan were also involved in the search efforts.
The operation was launched after militants, believed to have infiltrated from across the border into Saniyal village in the Hiranagar sector, were spotted by locals who raised an alarm. A brief exchange of fire took place between security forces and the armed militants on Sunday evening.
According to police sources, five to six militants are suspected to be hiding in the forests. DGP Prabhat had arrived at the scene on Sunday evening, staying until midnight before returning the next morning to lead the search teams.
The situation has left the village tense, with security forces urging residents to remain indoors. The International Border in Kathua has become a key infiltration route for militants attempting to reach higher altitudes in the Kailash tri-junction region, connecting Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar districts. In a similar attack last year, five soldiers lost their lives when militants ambushed an Army convoy near Badnota village in Kathua.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that no further contact had been made with the militants since the initial exchange of fire. He stated that security forces were monitoring suspicious movements, but it was too early to draw conclusions.
“The proximity to the International Border suggests they likely infiltrated from there, but we must wait for further developments,” Abdullah said. He also emphasized that long-term peace in J&K would only be possible by working alongside the local population.
