Security forces engaged in an exchange of fire with militants in the Billawar area of Kathua district on Saturday morning. Officials confirmed that the troops, stationed at the TOB Moar in Panchayat Batodi, observed suspicious movement in the area at dawn.
"Upon being challenged, the individuals opened fire, prompting the security forces to retaliate," an official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.
Following the brief skirmish, the forces launched a search operation to track down the militants.
This operation follows a series of security recoveries, including arms and ammunition from multiple hideouts across North and South Kashmir, in the days prior.
The recent encounter comes amid growing concerns over the increasing sophistication of foreign militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Intelligence agencies recently issued warnings about militants using advanced communication devices, including Chinese-origin “Ultra Set” radios and Australian-origin Alpine Quest app (offline maps).
These high-tech devices, allegedly supplied by Pakistani handlers, have posed new challenges for security forces, as the militants now rely on the Alpine app to evade detection, avoiding contact with overground workers (OGWs).
In a press briefing last year, former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) disclosed that “61 out of 80 militants in Kashmir valley are Pakistani,” highlighting the growing infiltration of foreign elements into the region.
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