Kathua, Jan 16: Kathua Police, in coordination with other security forces, busted three terrorist hideouts in Billawar area of Kathua district.
An official said that on 07 January 2026, reliable intelligence was received regarding the movement of anti-national element(s) in the forest area of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban, Dhanu Parole, Billawar. Acting swiftly on the intelligence input, joint teams of security forces launched a massive search operation to neutralize the terrorist(s). During the operation, unknown terrorist(s) opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces, resulting in an exchange of fire that continued throughout night.
He said that during the search operation, one terrorist hideout was detected in which the following items were recovered which include 02 M4 empty cartridges, one plastic box containing desi ghee, one polythene packet containing almonds, hand gloves, one cap, one blanket, one tarpaulin sheet, one small pouch, and one polythene bag.
In continuation of ongoing search operation, on 16 January 2026, two more terrorist hideouts were busted by the joint teams in Kalikhad and Kalaban areas of Billawar.
As per the official the items recovered from the subsequent hideouts include cooking gas cylinder, cooking oil, charger wire, hand gloves, cooking and eating utensils, empty oil gallon, large plastic bags, torch, blankets, container, and wrappers of eatables and other miscellaneous items.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma stated that the search operation is still underway and Kathua Police remains fully committed to maintain peace and security in the district.
