Kathua Ambush: 24 Detained as Search Operation for Terrorists Continues in Dense Forests of J-K

The serene landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir were shattered by a brutal ambush in the Kathua district, resulting in the tragic loss of five army personnel and leaving several others injured. This event has sent shockwaves through the region, igniting a rigorous manhunt for the terrorists responsible.

The operation to locate and neutralize the terrorists has entered its third day, with 24 individuals detained for questioning. The search, conducted by the army and police, is particularly challenging due to intermittent heavy rain and the dense forests that span four districts: Kathua, Udhampur, Bhaderwah, and the higher reaches of Doda.

On Monday, a patrol party was ambushed on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar mountainous road near Badnota village, around 150 km from Kathua's district headquarters. This attack not only claimed the lives of five brave soldiers but also heightened the urgency of tracking down the culprits. In response, security forces have launched extensive search operations from multiple areas, including Kathua, Udhampur, and Bhaderwah.

The search efforts are not limited to one area. Security forces are combing through dense forests in Udhampur, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. Fresh searches began in the Lala Chack area of Samba, Manjakote area of Rajouri, and Surankote of Poonch on Wednesday morning. The rugged terrain and thick foliage make the search particularly challenging, requiring the deployment of the army's special forces "Para" unit for precise surgical operations.

To aid the ground teams, helicopters and UAVs provide aerial surveillance, while sniffer dogs and metal detectors are employed to scour the dense forests. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also been involved, assisting the police in their investigation.

In Doda district, another search operation is underway following a gunfight between terrorists and security forces. This encounter occurred in the Ghadi Bhagwah forest area, near the Kishtwar district border. The search for two terrorists, who are believed to have been injured in the encounter, resumed early Wednesday.

The local population in Badnota and surrounding villages is deeply affected by the ambush. Concerns for safety have surged, leading residents to demand the formation of village defense groups. These groups would be equipped and trained to defend against terrorist threats. Jagdish Raj, a local resident, expressed the community's willingness to fight alongside security forces, stating, "The government should provide weapons and training to us; we are ready to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with our forces against the terrorists."

Punkaj, a 20-year-old student, shared his fears but also his resolve: "The situation changes altogether when you have weapons in your hands. We can swiftly move into the forests and help tackle the threat of terrorism."

Shahid Ahmad, who moved from higher reaches to Machedi due to terror threats, highlighted the unity among the local population: "Muslims and Hindus of the area want peace and are ready to assist security forces in wiping out terrorism. Our eyes filled with tears with the loss of our soldiers. Such an attack had never happened here even during the peak of terrorism over two decades ago."

Ahmad also mentioned the plight of innocent villagers, who are often forced at gunpoint to provide food to terrorists. He echoed the sentiment of solidarity with the security forces, emphasizing the community's readiness to support the fight against terrorism.

As the search operation continues, the resilience and determination of the security forces, coupled with the support of the local community, offer hope for bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring peace to the region.