jj correspondent
Kathua, Jan 16: Kathua Police, in coordination with other security forces, have busted three terrorist hideouts in the forest areas of Billawar subdivision during a joint counter-terror operation. On January 7, 2026, based on reliable intelligence inputs regarding the movement of anti-national elements in the forest belt of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban and Dhanu Parole, joint teams of security forces launched a massive search operation. During the operation, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, triggering an exchange of fire that continued throughout the night.
During the search, one terrorist hideout was detected and the following items were recovered:
two empty M4 cartridges, a plastic box containing desi ghee, a polythene packet of almonds, hand gloves, a cap, a blanket, a tarpaulin sheet, a small pouch and a polythene bag.
Continuing the operation, on January 16, 2026, joint teams busted two additional terrorist hideouts in the Kalikhad and Kalaban areas of Billawar. Items recovered included cooking gas cylinders, cooking oil, charger wire, hand gloves, cooking and eating utensils, empty oil gallons, large plastic bags, torches, blankets, containers, wrappers of eatables and other miscellaneous material.
SSP Kathua Ms Mohita Sharma stated that the search operation is still underway and reaffirmed that Kathua Police remains fully committed to maintaining peace and security in the district.
Three terrorist hideouts busted in Billawar area of Kathua
