NEW DELHI: Several gunshots were heard on Tuesday after security forces launched a search operation following information about suspected terrorist movement in a remote village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials said.The intermittent firing was reported from the Najote forest area of Billawar, around 10 km from the Kamadh nallah in the Kahog forest belt, where security forces had exchanged fire with terrorists on January 7, the officials said.According to officials, the suspected terrorists fired a few shots after noticing the movement of security forces, who retaliated while advancing deeper into the forest to neutralise them.They said the cordon-and-search operation has been strengthened, and efforts are underway to track down the ultras.An encounter had broken out between terrorists and security forces in the Kahog area on January 7, but the militants managed to escape by taking advantage of darkness, difficult terrain and dense forest cover.Security forces have intensified anti-terrorist operations across the Jammu region ahead of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.(With inputs from PTI)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShaksgam Valley Is Indian Territory, 1963 Pak-China Pact Illegal: Army Chief Rejects Beijing’s Claim’We Were Ready To Go In’: Reveals Army Chief Dwivedi, Issues Blunt Warning To Pak On Terror Camps’Op Sindoor Remains On’: Army Chief Dwivedi WARNS Pakistan, Hails Stability In J&K And Manipur‘BRICS Brings Countries Together’: Jaishankar Frames Bloc as Global Welfare Platform Under IndiaIndia Rejects Europe’s Pressure To Cut Russia Ties As Germany Pushes Defence Shift Amid Ukraine WarDonald Trump’s Iran Trade Tariff Warning Puts India In A Bind Over Exports, Chabahar And US TiesMinority Killings Shake Bangladesh As Hindu Auto Driver Murder Draws Global Outrage Pressure Mounts’Very Positive Meeting’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Participates In US-Led Ministerial On Critical MineralsCongress MP says India remains “heavily invested emotionally and politically” in Bangladesh”Our Youth Is Creative And Innovative,” PM Modi At Viksit Bharat Dialogue123PhotostoriesBeautiful Makar Sankranti saree looks inspired by Bollywood actresses in 2026Bengaluru’s metro lifeline gets a boost: Yellow line to roll out 7th train, shorter waits aheadShark Tank India: From a lavish house worth Rs 50 crores to high-end car collection- Namita Thapar’s lavish lifestyleMakar Sankranti 2026: 10 traditional foods to celebrate the harvest and the sun8 jungle experiences that only Masai Mara offers and how to visit on a budget7 questions to ask your child’s teacher if your child struggles with attentionPreschooler’s backpack should be less than 700 grams, worn 6 inches above waist: Spine endoscopist reveals risk of carrying heavy school bagsWinter Special: How to make traditional home-style Cheeni ke ParatheKerala Assembly elections: The mechanics of electoral competition5 most underrated forms of self-care you’re probably ignoring (But need right now)123Hot PicksShaksgam ValleyDubai AirportGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingDonald TrumpCharlie KirkVanessa Bryant and Natalia Bryant Net WorthBrooks Koepka and Jena Sims Net WorthDrake Maye WifeBill GatesConnor McDavid WifeTariffs on Tehran Trade PartnersBengaluru Dental Student SuicideMLB Trade Rumors
NEW DELHI: Several gunshots were heard on Tuesday after security forces launched a search operation following information about suspected terrorist movement in a remote village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials said.The intermittent firing was reported from the Najote forest area of Billawar, around 10 km from the Kamadh nallah in the Kahog forest belt, where security forces had exchanged fire with terrorists on January 7, the officials said.According to officials, the suspected terrorists fired a few shots after noticing the movement of security forces, who retaliated while advancing deeper into the forest to neutralise them.They said the cordon-and-search operation has been strengthened, and efforts are underway to track down the ultras.An encounter had broken out between terrorists and security forces in the Kahog area on January 7, but the militants managed to escape by taking advantage of darkness, difficult terrain and dense forest cover.Security forces have intensified anti-terrorist operations across the Jammu region ahead of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.(With inputs from PTI)
