Intensified Security Search Operations in Jammu and Kashmir Post-Encounters

Security forces have extended their search operations to new areas in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Rajouri districts following recent encounters. A policeman and a terrorist were killed, while two police officers were injured in Kathua. The hunt continues for terrorists believed to be hiding in the region.

Security forces on Monday expanded their ongoing search operations to new areas in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Rajouri districts to locate terrorists after recent encounters, according to officials.

A fierce gunbattle on Saturday evening in the remote Kog-Mandli forest village in Kathua's Billawar tehsil resulted in the deaths of a policeman and a terrorist, while two police officers were injured. Another brief exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Manial Gali in Rajouri's Thanamandi area on Sunday evening.

The search operation in Kathua entered its third day with the cordon extending to more than a dozen nearby villages. Reports suggest at least three more foreign terrorists affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are hiding in the forest belt. While the encounter in Rajouri concluded yesterday, the operation resumed and spread to new areas this morning. Slain head constable Bashir Ahmed was laid to rest with full honors at a graveyard near his Jammu residence, with tributes paid by top police officials and family members.

(With inputs from agencies.)