Jammu, March 27, 2025 – In a day-long counter-terrorism operation in the Ghati heights of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, security forces neutralised three Pakistani terrorists, while three Special Operations Group jawans made the ultimate sacrifice. Seven others, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police , were injured in what has been described as one of the fiercest gun battles in the region this year.
The operation, which unfolded in the remote village of Safiyan Jakhole under Rajbagh Police Station’s jurisdiction, began early Thursday morning and continued into the evening. Senior police officials confirmed the martyrdom of three SOG jawans and the injuries sustained by seven personnel, including DySP Border Dheeraj Katoch and a Para Commando soldier. The encounter saw the deployment of elite Para commandos, who were air-dropped into the area, alongside senior officers overseeing the operation on-site.
According to reports, the three terrorists, believed to be of Pakistani origin, were killed during the intense firefight. Their bodies remain in the hilly terrain, with one reportedly burnt, and retrieval efforts are set to resume Friday morning. Authorities suspect two additional terrorists may still be hiding in the area, prompting plans for renewed search and combing operations at first light.
The martyred SOG jawans have been identified as Selection Grade Constables Tariq Ahmad from Reasi, Jaswant Singh from Londi, Hiranagar, and Balwinder Singh from Kana Chak, Kathua. Their sacrifice underscores the high stakes of counter-terrorism efforts in the region, which has seen a surge in militant activity in recent months.
Officials are investigating whether the terrorists were part of a group that had infiltrated from Hiranagar, a possibility that could link this incident to broader cross-border terrorism concerns. The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, SOG, and Para commandos, reflecting the multi-layered response to the threat.
“Three terrorists have been neutralized so far, and we are working to ensure the area is fully secured,” a senior police official stated late Thursday. “The bravery of our jawans and the injured personnel is a testament to their dedication in the face of grave danger.”
The injured, including DySP Katoch and four other policemen, were swiftly evacuated to nearby medical facilities. Their conditions are being monitored, with one Para soldier among those reported wounded.
This encounter comes amid heightened security measures in Jammu and Kashmir, as authorities grapple with persistent threats from Pakistani terrorists and local militants. The Ghati heights operation highlights the challenges faced by security forces in rugged terrains, where militants often seek refuge.
As the nation mourns the loss of its brave jawans, the focus now shifts to the ongoing efforts to eliminate any remaining threats in Kathua. The operation is expected to resume with renewed vigor on Friday, with additional reinforcements likely to bolster the search.