Kathua Encounter update 1 Terrorist killed.

An ongoing encounter in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir has intensified. Security forces have successfully neutralized 1 terrorists so far, but the operation continues as 3-4 more terrorists, suspected to be affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, are believed to be trapped in the forested area of Mandli. Unfortunately, the encounter has claimed the life of Head Constable Bashir Ahmed, with two other police personnel, Deputy Superintendent Sukhbir Singh and Assistant Sub-Inspector Niaz Ahmed, sustaining injuries.

The operation began following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the region. Modern surveillance tools, including drones, have been deployed to assist the forces as the encounter stretches into its second day. This operation comes just ahead of crucial assembly elections scheduled for October 1 in Kathua, adding to the security challenges in the region​