Kathua, Jan 16: In a major push against militant activity, Kathua Police, backed by other security forces, unearthed three terrorist hideouts during an extended search operation in the Billawar belt, officials said on Friday.
The first hideout was traced on January 7, 2025, after reliable intelligence pointed to the presence and movement of anti-national operatives in the forest stretch of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban and Dhanu Parole in Billawar.
Acting on the alert, joint teams fanned through the rugged terrain and launched a coordinated operation.
As forces advanced, unidentified terrorists opened fire, sparking a fierce gunfight that stretched late into the night. There were no reports of casualties from the encounter.
During the sweep that followed, troops stumbled upon a shelter believed to have been used recently by terrorists. From the spot, police recovered M4 rifle cartridges along with food supplies, clothing and camp material, suggesting the group had been operating or regrouping in the area.
The operation widened over the following days and, on January 16, 2026, two more hidden shelters were discovered in Kalikhad and Kalaban.
Items seized from these sites included a cooking gas cylinder, utensils, blankets, gloves, torch, charger wire, and food wrappers, further confirming extended stay and logistical preparation by the militants.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Ms Mohita Sharma, said the joint teams remain deployed in the upper reaches and continue to comb the region.
She added that Kathua Police is firm in its resolve to prevent any attempt to disturb the peace and secure every settlement in the district.
Security sources believe the recovery of supplies and shelter equipment has dealt a blow to terrorist movement in the frontier zone and may help trace those who fled during the gunfire.
