Gunshots shattered the morning calm in the thick forests of Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, as Indian security forces launched a swift and intense Kathua security operation following credible intelligence about militant movement in the area. The confrontation—marked by automatic gunfire and rapid troop deployment—has sent shockwaves through the region, coming just days before India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026 .
According to official sources, troops from the Rashtriya Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Police were conducting routine patrols near the Najote forest when they spotted suspicious activity. Almost immediately, hidden militants opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange that forced security personnel to call for reinforcements .
While no casualties have been officially reported yet, the incident underscores a worrying resurgence of militant activity in the Jammu division—a region that had seen relative calm in recent years. With national festivities approaching, authorities have placed the entire union territory on high alert, deploying additional paramilitary units and tightening checkpoints on all major highways .
Table of Contents
- What Happened in Najote Forest?
- Kathua Security Operation: Timeline and Response
- Why Kathua Is a Strategic Hotspot
- Republic Day Security Lockdown Across J&K
- Intelligence Failures or Resurgent Threat?
- What Happens Next? Potential Scenarios
- Conclusion: A Test of India’s Anti-Terror Readiness
- Sources
What Happened in Najote Forest?
Early Tuesday morning, a joint patrol team received inputs about possible infiltration near the hilly terrain of Najote, a dense forested area bordering Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Known for its rugged landscape and limited mobile connectivity, the region has historically been used by militants to evade detection .
As troops advanced, they were met with sudden, unprovoked gunfire from elevated positions. “The ultras were well-concealed and fired from at least two directions,” a senior officer told reporters on condition of anonymity . The security forces immediately returned fire and cordoned off a 3-kilometer radius, initiating a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) that continues into the night.
Kathua Security Operation: Timeline and Response
The operation has escalated rapidly:
- 6:30 AM: Initial patrol detects suspicious movement in Najote forest.
- 6:45 AM: Militants open fire; troops retaliate and call for backup.
- 7:15 AM: Additional companies from Rashtriya Rifles and SOG (Special Operations Group) deployed.
- 9:00 AM: Area sealed off; drone surveillance activated.
- 12:00 PM: Civilian movement restricted; nearby villages placed under watch.
- Ongoing: Search intensified with K-9 units and thermal imaging drones.
Authorities have not confirmed the number of militants involved, but sources suggest it could be a 2–3 member module, possibly linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) .
Why Kathua Is a Strategic Hotspot
Kathua’s location makes it a prime infiltration corridor. Nestled near the International Border (IB) and sharing proximity with the Chenab River basin, it offers multiple entry points for cross-border elements. In recent months, intelligence agencies have flagged increased drone activity and attempts to smuggle weapons via this route .
Moreover, the district’s mixed demographic and proximity to key infrastructure—including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—make it a high-value target for disruption. A successful attack here could destabilize the entire Jammu region, which has largely remained peaceful since 2022 .
Republic Day Security Lockdown Across J&K
With Republic Day just days away, the timing of this incident is deeply concerning. The J&K administration has already announced a comprehensive security plan:
- All schools and colleges in sensitive districts will remain closed on January 26.
- Flag-hoisting ceremonies will be held under heavy armed guard.
- No-fly zones imposed over major cities like Srinagar, Jammu, and Udhampur.
- Increased patrolling along the IB and Line of Control (LoC).
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also placed central forces like CRPF and BSF on standby, ready to deploy if needed .
Intelligence Failures or Resurgent Threat?
This incident raises tough questions. Was this a lapse in local intelligence, or does it signal a coordinated effort by terror groups to exploit the festive lull? Experts point to a broader trend: after years of decline, militancy in Jammu is showing signs of revival, fueled by external actors seeking to reignite unrest .
According to a 2025 report by the Institute for Conflict Management, Jammu recorded a 40% increase in militant-related incidents compared to 2024, with Kathua and Rajouri emerging as new flashpoints .
What Happens Next? Potential Scenarios
Three outcomes are likely:
- Militants Neutralized: Security forces corner and eliminate the group within 24–48 hours, restoring calm.
- Prolonged Standoff: The operation drags on, leading to civilian displacement and heightened tension.
- Spillover Attacks: If the militants escape, they may attempt a high-profile strike around Republic Day to maximize impact.
Authorities are preparing for all contingencies, including cyber surveillance and social media monitoring to counter propaganda efforts.
Conclusion: A Test of India’s Anti-Terror Readiness
The Kathua security operation is more than a tactical engagement—it’s a critical stress test for India’s counter-terrorism apparatus at a moment of national vulnerability. The government’s ability to swiftly contain the threat and prevent escalation will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike.
For the people of Kathua, the sound of gunfire is a grim reminder that peace remains fragile. But for the security forces, it’s a call to vigilance—one they’re answering with precision, courage, and unwavering resolve.
Sources
- Times of India: “J&K: Security forces launch search operations in Kathua; gunshots heard”
- The Hindu: “Militants open fire on security forces in Kathua’s Najote forest”
- Hindustan Times: “Why Kathua’s forests are a new infiltration hotspot”
- PTI: “J&K on high alert ahead of Republic Day amid terror threats”
- ANI Official Briefing: “Senior officer confirms exchange of fire in Kathua”
- India Today: “Intelligence suggests LeT link in Kathua militant sighting”
- Ministry of Home Affairs: “Advisory on drone threats in Jammu region, January 2026”
- South Asia Terrorism Portal: “Jammu Division Security Trends 2024–2026”
- Press Trust of India: “Republic Day security measures announced for J&K”
- The Wire: “Resurgence of militancy in Jammu: A new front opens”
- Institute for Conflict Management: “Annual Report on Terrorism in India, 2025”