Cop killed, 2 officers injured in Kathua encounter

Srinagar, Sep 28: A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable was killed and two officers sustained injuries during an ongoing encounter between security forces and militants in Kathua district of Jammu on Saturday evening.

The encounter broke out in the remote Kog-Mandli village of Billawar tehsil of Kathua. It began around 5:30 pm when security forces started a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) following credible intelligence about the presence of militants inside a house in the area.

Officials said that the initial exchange of gunfire between the security personnel and militants was brief but escalated into a more intense gunfight.

A Police head constable was killed while a DySP and an Assistant Sub-Inspector were injured during the gunfight.

Heavy firing between the two sides was ongoing when the report was filed.

Additional reinforcements from nearby security camps have been deployed to tighten the cordon around the village to prevent any escape attempts by the militants.