Jammu, March 29, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary paid their respects by laying a wreath at the District Police Line in Jammu for Head Constable Jagbir Singh, a brave police personnel who lost his life during an intense anti-terrorist operation in Kathua. The solemn ceremony underscored the state’s commitment to honouring its fallen heroes amid ongoing security challenges in the region.
The wreath-laying event followed a fierce encounter in Kathua’s Safiyan area, where Head Constable Jagbir Singh, alongside three other policemen—Selection Grade Constables Balvinder Singh, Jaswant Singh, and Tariq Ahmed—made the ultimate sacrifice while combating terrorists. The operation, launched based on intelligence inputs about militant presence, began on March 23 after a local woman reported spotting Pakistani terrorists in Sanyal village, Kathua district. The ensuing gun battle claimed the lives of the four officers, with seven others, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police and two soldiers, sustaining injuries.
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, who also attended the ceremony, provided details to the media, stating, “The militants had an advantageous position with a clear line of sight, leading to the martyrdom of our brave officers.” He affirmed that the anti-terrorist operation would continue into Saturday to ensure the area is fully secured and no terrorists remain at large.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressing his grief, honoured the fallen personnel, emphasising their valour and dedication to protecting the region. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary echoed these sentiments, joining Abdullah in laying the wreath as a mark of respect for Head Constable Jagbir Singh and his fellow martyrs. The bodies of the slain officers, including Singh, were sent to their homes with full honours after post-mortems at Government Medical College Kathua, following the wreath-laying ceremony at the District Police Lines.
The Kathua encounter has highlighted the persistent security threats in Jammu and Kashmir, with the region witnessing a surge in terrorist activities. The operation, supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps, reflects the ongoing efforts to curb cross-border infiltration and maintain peace. DGP Prabhat reiterated the police force’s resolve, stating, “We are committed to stopping these threats and ensuring the safety of our people.”
The martyrdom of Head Constable Jagbir Singh and his colleagues has drawn widespread attentionThe ceremony at the District Police Line Jammu served as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by security personnel in the line of duty.