Jammu: A military operation has begun against militants in the Billawar area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.
Sources said the gunfight erupted during a cordon and search operation launched by armed forces in the area following specific inputs about militant presence. During the operation, militants opened fire on the forces, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
Armed forces immediately retaliated, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon. The operation was continuing at the time of filing this report.
Officials said the operation is being carried out in a forested and hilly terrain, and forces are maintaining strict vigil to prevent militants from escaping.
Earlier on January 8, an operation was launched in the Kamadh Nullah area of Kathua district, prompting a large-scale cordon and search operation, officials said.h
Inspector General of Police said the operation is underway despite difficult conditions. “Despite darkness, thick vegetation and treacherous terrain, the SOG is relentlessly engaging the terrorists. Teams of CRPF are also participating in the joint operation,” the IGP said on January 8.
Armed forces had also intensified surveillance in the surrounding forested terrain to prevent the militants from slipping away, officials added. [KNT]
