Security forces launch search operation in Kashmir's Kathua after family narrowly escapes from militants, minor injured

Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation in Kathua following reports of militant presence in the area. A woman, Anita Devi, reported the incident after she, her husband, and their daughter escaped from militants in Saniyal, Hiranagar.

“The militants held my husband at gunpoint and called me towards them,” Devi said. “But my husband signalled me to run, so I fled.” She said one of the militants tried to stop her, but she kept running and screamed for help. Her husband and daughter also managed to escape, though her daughter sustained minor injuries when the militants opened fire.

Devi alerted her brother-in-law and sought help. The incident occurred around 4.30pm, prompting security forces to begin a search operation. The attack took place about five kilometres from the international border.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has been alerted to prevent the militants from escaping back to Pakistan. Senior security officials from the police, BSF and CRPF, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, reached the area to oversee the operation.

After initial contact with the militants, there has been no fresh exchange of fire. However, the security forces have cordoned off the area and are combing the area. The incident created fear in the area, however, life in Hiranagar returned to normal in the morning. The security forces are carefully operating to locate the militants and avoid any casualties. 

Kathua has become a key infiltration route for Pakistan-based militants attempting to reach the higher regions of Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar, and eventually Kashmir. This is evident from a series of terror incidents in the past year.

Over the last four years, militants primarily targeted Rajouri and Poonch. However, in 2024, terror activities spread to six more districts in Jammu, leading to 44 deaths, including 18 security personnel and 13 militants.

While Rajouri and Poonch saw a decline in terror incidents last year, fresh attacks in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu since April 2024 have raised concerns among security agencies. To counter the threat and prevent militants from spreading terror to peaceful areas, security forces have intensified operations across the region.