Jammu, March 31, 2025- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the families of four brave policemen who lost their lives in a fierce encounter with terrorists in Kathua district. The martyrs, identified as Selection Grade Constable Balvinder Singh Chib, Jaswant Singh, Head Constable Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed, were honoured for their supreme sacrifice while combating militancy in the region.
The encounter, which took place in the remote forested area of Kathua’s Safiyan belt, began on March 27, 2025, and resulted in the deaths of four policemen and two Pakistani terrorists believed to be affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. The bodies of Balvinder Singh Chib, Jaswant Singh, and Tariq Ahmed were recovered on March 28, while HC Jagbir Singh’s body was retrieved from the Ghati-Juthana forest on March 29. The incident has sparked widespread mourning and renewed calls for stronger security measures in Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit, LG Sinha expressed his deep condolences and saluted the unwavering courage and valor of the fallen heroes. “Visited the families of our Brave Sons of Maa Bharti, who attained martyrdom while fighting the terrorists in Kathua. The supreme sacrifice of SgCT Balvinder Singh Chib, SgCT Jaswant Singh, HC Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed will never be forgotten. This grateful nation salutes their unwavering courage & valour,” he stated. He further assured the bereaved families of the government’s unwavering support, promising all necessary assistance in their hour of grief.
The LG’s visit follows similar gestures by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also paid tributes to the martyrs and announced financial aid and government jobs for their kin. Security forces, meanwhile, have intensified search operations in Kathua, employing aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs to track down remaining militants suspected to have escaped the encounter.
The sacrifices of these bravehearts have left an indelible mark on the nation, with officials and citizens alike vowing to honor their legacy by rooting out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.