Kathua terrorist attack prompts security measures in Pathankot

CHANDIGARH: “Any terrorist activity or infiltration in Kathua could quickly escalate and affect the peace of Punjab, especially neighbouring Pathankot district.”

Security experts have raised alarms over the recent infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, warning of a potential spillover of terrorist activities into Punjab’s Pathankot. The close proximity of Pathankot district, which shares its border with Kathua, heightens the risk of escalating violence.

“Any terrorist activity or infiltration in Kathua could quickly escalate and affect the peace of Punjab, especially neighbouring Pathankot district. It necessitates a coordinated approach from both state and central security forces to preempt and counter any attempts by terrorists to exploit this proximity for nefarious purposes,” said a senior BSF official.

On Wednesday, security forces engaged in a gunfight in Saida Sukhal village of Kathua, resulting in the death of a terrorist, believed to be a Pakistani national. Rakesh Kumar Kaushal, Deputy Inspector General of the Border Range, expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the need for heightened alertness and strengthened borders.

Discussions with BSF have assured additional forces to fortify the second line of defence.
In Pathankot, SSP Suhail Qasim Mir confirmed the adoption of a joint and coordinated approach with BSF to address security concerns. Based on intelligence updates, strategies are being adjusted, and personnel have been deployed along the border and checkpoints in J&K. Mir also highlighted the integration of advanced technology, including face recognition and automatic number plate recognition cameras, to monitor vehicle movement.

Strict surveillance measures are in place for the movement of pilgrims and vehicles between Pathankot and Kathua. Traffic on the Bhadarwah-Pathankot interstate highway has been suspended beyond Nalthi village following a terrorist attack on a checkpost in Chattergala, which injured six security personnel. A search operation is currently underway in Chattergalla, Guldandi, Sarthal, Shankh Pader, and the Kailash Mountain range.

In a related incident on August 14, BSF troops in Punjab’s Pathankot district shot dead a Pakistani intruder near Simbal Sakol village after he ignored warnings to stop. This follows another incident on August 11, where BSF neutralized a Pakistani intruder along the International Border in Tarn Taran district.

The heightened security measures come in the wake of the January 2016 assault on the Pathankot Air Force Station by a heavily armed group of terrorists, which resulted in a protracted 17-hour battle, leaving five attackers and six security personnel dead. Three additional soldiers succumbed to their injuries in the aftermath.

Authorities continue to monitor and address the evolving security situation, ensuring coordinated efforts to maintain peace and prevent further incidents.