Jammu, Mar 2: Security forces have launched a manhunt to neutralise three armed terrorists in Billawar area of Kathua after they were spotted last night by locals in Pund area of Kathua district. The operation was launched last night at around 9 by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Billawar along with the Special Forces on the Indian Army, this is the same general area of Dhanu Parole where two civilians were murdered after strangulation and a terror angle was believed to be behind that.

This is the same area where two civilians, Shamsher and Roshan Lal, who were brutally strangled to death in the Billawar area of Kathua on February 16, and the case is being probed as an act of terror as well by Jammu and Kashmir Police. “Even during the 1990s, when terrorism was at its peak, this region remained peaceful. But now, what has happened? Terrorism is increasing every day. I urge the police to deploy teams and thoroughly investigate the matter. The victims were simple farmers and shepherds—how could they have gone to the forests? This area has become unsafe, and we are living in fear. All we want is justice,” the locals said, demanding justice for their family.

Sources in the Indian Army have informed  that yesterday evening at around 8.30 PM, an information was shared by locals regarding the movement of three terrorists carrying weapons in the general area of Pund in Billawar. “Acting on the input, the Special Forces Unit along with SOG Billawar launched operation within no time. We are conducting searches in the forested area with first light,” he added.

Officials of Jammu and Kashmir Police have also confirmed sighting of three armed terrorists by locals and have said that the area where suspected terrorists have been spotted is close to Dhannu Parole, where one terrorist was killed in September 2024 in an encounter with security forces.