Terrorist killed in Kathua gunfight

JAMMU : Jammu: Security forces gunned down a terrorist in Kog-Mandli village of Billawar tehsil in Jammu division’s Kathua district Sunday during an ongoing gunfight that began the previous evening.

Another shootout was reported Sunday evening from Manial Gali in Rajouri district during a search operation based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. “The operation is ongoing. The area has been cordoned off. No casualties reported so far,” a police officer said.

J&K police head constable Bashir Ahmed was killed while DSP Sukhbir Singh and ASI Niaz Ahmed were wounded Saturday when the shootout broke out in the remote, mountainous village of Kog-Mandli as the forces approached a house where terrorists were believed to be hiding.

The operation is being supervised by Jammu zone ADG Anand Jain and DIG (Jammu-Samba-Kathua range). Jain posted on X: “The #search for the remaining #terrorist continues…”

When asked about the third and final phase of assembly elections in Kathua, Udhampur, Samba, and Jammu districts on Oct 1, Jain assured that adequate security arrangements are in place across all poll-bound areas to prevent terrorism-related violence.

The elections are being held amidst escalating terrorist violence in J&K this summer. Between May 4 and Sept 28, 22 security personnel lost their lives — four in Kashmir Valley and 18 in Jammu zone, including head constable Bashir.

J&K DGP RR Swain expressed condolences over Bashir’s death, saying: “J&K police will extend every possible support to the family and avenge his death.” He also wished the wounded officers a speedy recovery.