Four Police Officers, Two Suspected Rebels Killed in Jammu and Kashmir Clash

Context: Modi stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status in 2019

Both India and Pakistan claim the territory in full and have fought two wars over it

Delhi — Four Indian police officers and two suspected militants were killed in a multi-day gun battle in the forested Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed on March 28–29, 2025. The clash, which also injured seven security personnel, underscores renewed volatility in the disputed region amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions and a protracted insurgency .

The Encounter

The violence began on March 27 when security forces, acting on intelligence, cordoned off a forested area near Jakhole village in Kathua. A joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) encountered heavily armed militants, triggering a 24-hour exchange of gunfire and explosions. By Friday, four police officers and two militants were confirmed dead, though rugged terrain delayed body retrieval .

Recovered materials included M4 carbine magazines, grenades, bulletproof jackets, and improvised explosive device (IED) components, suggesting the militants were well-equipped. Security officials linked the group to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), citing similarities to earlier attacks .

Broader Context

Kathua, part of Jammu’s southern region, has seen increased militant activity since 2022, with remote forests becoming hotspots for infiltration. Police Chief Nalin Prabhat accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border militancy, vowing to “stop such activities of our neighbour.” Pakistan denies involvement, reiterating support for Kashmiri self-determination.

The clash follows India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly defended the decision, stating, “No power in the world can restore Article 370.” Critics argue the move exacerbated tensions, citing curbs on civil liberties and a surge in security operations .

Operational Challenges

The Kathua operation highlighted logistical hurdles in counterinsurgency efforts. Dense foliage and ravines forced security personnel to rely on drones, helicopters, and local assistance to transport equipment. Five days of searches preceded the clash, with militants initially evading capture after a March 23 encounter in Sanyal forests .

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat praised the officers’ “valor,” while the Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps honored their sacrifice in a social media post .

Regional Implications

The incident underscores Kashmir’s enduring role as a flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations. Both nations claim the territory in full and have fought two wars over it. While violence declined post-2019, Kathua’s proximity to the border has made it a focal point for clashes. Government data shows 14 security personnel killed in Kashmir in early 2024, compared to 30 in 2023 .

Human rights groups warn that intensified operations risk civilian harm. Locals reported aiding security forces during the clash, reflecting complex community dynamics in the Muslim-majority region.

Looking Ahead
Security forces resumed operations on March 29 to locate two additional militants believed trapped in the area. The People’s Anti-Fascist Front, a JeM proxy, claimed responsibility for the ambush.

As Kashmir grapples with its contested status, the Kathua clash signals no imminent respite from violence. For India, balancing counterinsurgency with political reconciliation remains a fraught challenge.

India-Pakistan Tensions Simmer After Fatal Kashmir Encounter (April 1, 2025)

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Tags: Jammu and Kashmir, Kathua, India-Pakistan conflict
counterinsurgency, Article 370, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Nalin Prabhat,
Narendra Modi, Rising Star Corps, security forces