Kathua, March 25, 2025 – Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua district remain on high alert as terrorists involved in a recent encounter evade capture. India Today’s Sunil Bhat reported on X at 12:27 PM IST (with updates suggesting ongoing action) that the operation yielded two Chinese grenades but no arrests, underscoring the region’s persistent militancy challenge.
The clash, near Basantpur, saw troops scour dense terrain after credible inputs on terrorist movement. The recovery of grenades points to sophisticated arms, but the culprits slipping away highlights the cat-and-mouse game plaguing J&K. Over 50 terror incidents rocked the region in 2024, claiming lives and stoking fear (NDTV, 2024).
For locals, it’s a grim routine—security lockdowns disrupt daily life, yet the threat lingers. The army’s resolve is clear, but gaps in intelligence or terrain mastery persist. This isn’t just a manhunt; it’s a test of India’s counter-terror strategy as peace remains elusive in the Valley.
