Kathua Gunfight: 4 Policemen and 3 Militants Killed in Intense Encounter
Kathua, March 28, 2025 – A fierce gunfight in the Sufain area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, has left four police personnel and three militants dead. The encounter, which began early Thursday morning, also resulted in injuries to six security personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The operation was part of an intensified crackdown on cross-border infiltration and militant activity in the region.
The Encounter Unfolds
The gunfight erupted when security forces, acting on intelligence inputs, launched a search operation in the forested Sufain area. The militants, reportedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-linked People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), opened fire on the advancing forces. The intense exchange of gunfire continued throughout the day, with grenades and rocket fire rocking the area.
Tragically, four brave officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, including three members of the Special Operations Group (SOG), lost their lives in the line of duty. The slain officers were identified as a head constable and two constables, while the fourth officer’s body was recovered later using drone surveillance.
Militants Neutralized
Three militants of Pakistani origin were killed during the encounter. Security forces believe the group was part of a larger infiltration attempt and had been hiding in the area for several days. Evidence recovered from the site included ammunition, grenades, and materials for making IEDs, indicating the militants’ intent to carry out attacks.
Ongoing Operations
The operation, which was temporarily halted due to nightfall, resumed on Friday morning with additional reinforcements. Security forces are cautiously advancing in the area, suspecting that two more militants may still be hiding. Advanced surveillance tools, including UAVs, drones, and sniffer dogs, have been deployed to track their movements.
Authorities have tightened security along the Jammu-Pathankot national highway and nearby border villages to prevent any escape attempts by the militants.
Community and Official Reactions
The encounter has drawn attention to the persistent threat of cross-border infiltration and the sacrifices made by security forces to maintain peace in the region. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat commended the bravery of the personnel involved and emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
Local residents, who alerted authorities to suspicious movements in the area, have been praised for their cooperation. However, the incident has also sparked protests in Jammu, where activists burned a Pakistani flag to denounce cross-border terrorism.
