Kathua encounter: Search operation for militants extended to new areas in J&K

Security forces extend search operation after gunfight in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir; 4 policemen, 2 militants killed.

Security forces on Saturday (March 29, 2025) extended the ongoing search operation to new areas after the body of the fourth policeman and two slain militants were recovered from the scene of a gunfight in a remote forested area in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Body of head constable Jagbir Singh was retrieved from Ghati Juthana forest in Rajbagh and was shifted to Jammu where a wreath laying ceremony for the deceased was held near police headquarters Gulshan Ground, they said.

The officials said bodies of two Pakistani militants, believed to be affiliated with proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, were also recovered along with war-like stores.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday (March 29) attended the wreath laying ceremony of a policeman who, along with his three colleagues, was killed in a two-day long gunfight with Pakistani militants in Kathua district.

Mr. Abdullah led the wreath laying ceremony of head constable Jagbir Singh, incharge of police post Safiyan, at police headquarters Gulshan Ground in Jammu.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister Satish Sharma, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior civil, police, CRPF, BSF and Army officers also laid wreaths at the coffin containing the remains of the fallen policeman.

The encounter in the area began on Thursday (March 27) morning and continued throughout the day on Friday (March 28). A total of four policemen and two recently infiltrated militants were killed, while the search for other members of the terrorist group is continuing for the third day on Saturday (March 29).