The village of Saida Sukhal near Koota Morh in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua district became the latest battleground in the region’s ongoing struggle against terrorism on the evening of June 11th. According to ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, two suspected terrorists believed to have recently infiltrated the area surfaced in the village, sparking panic among locals.
In a series of dramatic posts on the official X handle of Jammu Zone Police, Jain revealed the chilling details. “The terrorists, who initially asked villagers for water, raised suspicions among the locals. The villagers, sensing danger, refused and raised an alarm, prompting a violent reaction from the terrorists,” he wrote.
Jain further informed, “Terrorist firing in village Saida Sukhal near Koota mode PS Hira Nagar #Kathua, details awaited.” As the situation rapidly unfolded, the armed assailants, in a state of panic, began firing indiscriminately into the air and at passersby, leaving one villager injured. Responding swiftly to the crisis, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Hiranagar and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), along with reinforcements from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), rushed to the scene and engaged in a fierce gunfight with the terrorists. “During the confrontation, one terrorist was killed while attempting to throw a grenade at the police, preventing further casualties. The search for the second terrorist is ongoing,” Jain added, commending the bravery of the security forces. However, the operation came at a heavy cost, as ADGP Jammu later confirmed in another media update that one CRPF personnel, Kabir Dass of the 121 Battalion CRPF, son of Shiv Charan, succumbed to his injuries sustained during the initial exchange of fire. Dass was rushed to SDH Hiranagar, but unfortunately could not be saved, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In a bid to apprehend the remaining militant and ensure the safety of residents, the police, with the support of the CRPF, have successfully cordoned off the area and initiated a thorough search operation. Houses are being cleared one by one, with authorities urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information. While the operation continues, authorities have evacuated one couple from the area as a precautionary measure. The wife is reported to be unharmed, while her husband, Omkar Nath, sustained injuries to his arm and is currently in stable condition at a nearby hospital. As the tense manhunt for the second terrorist continues, the people of Jammu & Kashmir once again find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of living under the constant threat of terror, with the sacrifice of brave CRPF jawan Kabir Dass serving as a grim reminder of the costs paid to keep the nation safe.
