The Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained six members of a family, including four women, for allegedly assisting militants involved in the deadly Kathua encounter, which claimed the lives of four policemen.
According to sources, the detained individuals are related to an overground worker who is already in jail for aiding militants in last year’s attack on an Army convoy in Kathua’s Badnota village, where five soldiers lost their lives.
Since March 23, security forces have been pursuing the militants who reportedly crossed the International Border into Saniyal village in Hiranagar sector. The accused family is believed to have helped them escape into the dense forests near Jakhole village. Earlier, six others were also questioned in connection with the search operation.
Four days later, security personnel engaged with the militants in Jakhole’s forests. A prolonged encounter ensued, leading to the elimination of two militants, though some managed to escape. Tragically, four policemen lost their lives in the operation.
Sources suggest the militants were attempting to move towards the Kailash tri-junction, which connects Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua. During their escape, they forced a local resident in Rajalu village to provide food at gunpoint. The resident managed to alert security forces, but by the time they arrived, the militants had vanished.
In response, security forces have expanded their search into Samba district and Billawar heights. Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has extended financial aid of ₹70 lakh and government jobs to the families of two fallen policemen, along with plans for memorial gates in their honor.
