Jammu, May 1: Security operations have expanded to Kathua district as authorities aim to track down two groups of terrorists responsible for the recent killing of a village defence guard in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. The hunt began after a village defence guard (VDG) was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Panara village, located in the remote Chochru Gala heights, early Sunday. Since then, a joint operation involving the police, army, and CRPF has been ongoing, entering its fourth day on Wednesday. The search operation spans across Basantgarh, Bani, and Seoj areas of Udhampur and Kathua districts. However, there have been no recent contacts with the fleeing terrorists, according to officials. One group of terrorists is believed to be moving in the upper reaches of Udhampur district, while another group is reportedly heading towards Bani, Daggar, and Kindli areas of Kathua district. The movement of one group was detected in the Allo Top and Seoj high altitude forested areas in Udhampur. To bolster the cordon in the vast high-altitude forest belt between Udhampur and Kathua, additional security personnel have been deployed in these areas. Surveillance efforts include the use of choppers, UAVs, and drones, along with the reinforcement of ground forces. Several individuals have been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing operations. Additional Director General of Police (Jammu zone) Anand Jain stated that the two terrorist groups, consisting of four to six members each, are believed to have infiltrated from across the border. Security forces are diligently working on various leads to eliminate the threat. According to official sources, the terrorists entered Basantgarh from Kathua district after crossing the border. The Bani-Basantgarh route was historically used by terrorists to reach Doda and Kashmir after infiltrating along the International Border (IB).
