KATHUA, January 16, 2026 : Security forces on Friday busted terrorist hideout in the Billawar area of Kathua district during a joint operation, officials said.
According to police, the operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of terrorists in the forested area of Kamad (Kamaad) Nallah in Billawar. Acting swiftly on the information, joint teams of Kathua Police and other security forces initiated an extensive search operation in the area.
During the operation, terrorists opened fire on the advancing security forces, leading to an exchange of fire that continued throughout the night. Despite challenging terrain and darkness, the security forces maintained pressure and intensified the search.
During the initial phase of the operation, one terrorist hideout was detected. A search of the hideout led to the recovery of 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, indicating recent use of the hideout by terrorists.
In continuation of the operation, two more terrorist hideouts were busted on January 16, 2026, in the Kalikhad and Kalaban areas of Billawar. From these hideouts, security forces recovered a cooking gas cylinder, cooking oil, charger wire, hand gloves, cooking and eating utensils, an empty oil gallon, large plastic bags, a torch, blankets, containers and wrappers of eatables, along with other miscellaneous daily-use items.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohita Sharma said that the search operation is still underway and security forces remain on high alert. She reaffirmed that the police, along with other security agencies, are fully committed to maintaining peace and security in the district and neutralising any threat to public safety.
The operation highlights continued efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the region and prevent infiltration or movement of militants in the border district.
