J&K: Forces deploy UAVs as Kathua militant hunt enters Day 2
Security forces continue a high-stakes operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua, where militants suspected of infiltrating from across the border remain holed up in a dense forest nursery. UAVs have been deployed as the search enters its second day, with forces on high alert to track and neutralise the threats.
News Arena Network - Jammu - UPDATED: March 24, 2025, 01:20 PM - 2 min read
Image for representative use.
A massive cordon and search operation continues for the second consecutive day in the Sanyal area of Hiranagar, Kathua, as security forces track down suspected infiltrators believed to have crossed over from the international border.
The operation was launched on Sunday following intelligence inputs about the presence of five to six heavily armed militants hiding in the dense forest nursery, situated merely five kilometres from the border.
The search effort intensified after local women reported sighting suspicious movement, prompting immediate action by security personnel and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Upon reaching the suspected location, security forces were met with armed resistance, leading to a fierce exchange of fire that lasted approximately 30 minutes, according to eyewitness accounts.
To bolster the operation, security forces have deployed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to track the movements of the militants.
The Switch UAVs used by the Indian Army.
The operation is being led jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army's Rising Star Corps.
“Based on Intelligence Input regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation has been launched by @JmuKmrPolice & troops of #RisingStar Corps on 23 Mar 25 in the general area of Saniyal #Hiranagar. Operations in Progress,” the Rising Star Corps posted on X.
Security forces remain on high alert, with a strict cordon in place and UAVs assisting in surveillance. More details are expected as the operation unfolds.
According to recent intelligence data, there are presently 76 active militants in Jammu and Kashmir, of whom 17 are locals while the remaining 59 are foreign operatives.
Among the foreign militants, three are affiliated with the Hizbul Mujahideen, 21 with Jaish-e-Mohammad, and 35 with Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Of the 17 local militants, three are believed to be operating in the Jammu region, while 14 are active in the Kashmir Valley.
The data further suggests that nearly 70 per cent of active militants are of foreign origin, indicating that security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have successfully curtailed local recruitment into militant ranks.
Infiltration attempts typically see a spike during spring as the snow begins to melt in the higher reaches, facilitating cross-border movement.
Security agencies remain vigilant to thwart such incursions and neutralise threats to peace and stability in the region.
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