The death toll in the Kathua encounter rose to seven after the body of the fourth policeman was recovered near the gunfight site in Jammu and Kashmir, where three militants and four policemen lost their lives, and seven others, including a deputy superintendent of police (DySP), were injured on Thursday night.
The body of the missing policeman was located using a drone on Friday near the area where the gun battle took place in the remote forests of Kathua district, officials said.
This marks the fourth police fatality in the intense encounter, during which three militants were also confirmed dead in the forces’ operation, officials added.
Security forces, including the police, Army, and CRPF, resumed their operation on Friday morning, advancing from multiple directions after a night halt to sanitise the Safiyan area, they said.
Heavy firing and explosions continued for a second consecutive day.
On Thursday, three suspected Pakistani militants belonging to the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and three policemen were found dead following a day-long gunfight, while one policeman was reported missing.
A total of seven security personnel, including a DySP, sustained injuries during the fierce exchange of fire, officials confirmed.
Also read: 3 cops martyred, 2 terrorists killed in Kathua encounter
At least three militants were neutralised, with their bodies observed through drone footage lying at elevated positions. One of the militants’ bodies was reportedly charred due to a rocket launcher strike, the official added.
The slain SOG personnel have been identified as Tariq Ahmad, son of Kabir Hussain of Reasi; Jaswant Singh, son of Angrez Singh of Londi; and Balwinder Singh, son of Prem Singh of Kana Chak, Kathua, all of whom were selection-grade constables.
The militants are believed to be associated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and appeared to be well-trained.
The encounter was marked by intense firing and explosions, with the army deploying rocket launchers to eliminate the militants.
The terrorists retaliated heavily, using M4 carbines, other sophisticated weaponry, and grenades.
Local youth were seen assisting security forces by carrying heavy weapons and ammunition deep inside a gorge.
The gun battle, centred near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajah, involved an estimated five militants.
The operation was temporarily suspended tonight and will resume early tomorrow morning in pursuit of the remaining terrorists.
"The possibility is that there could be two more terrorists," officials stated.
Further details are awaited...
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