A police spokesman said two terrorist hideouts were busted by joint teams of security forces in Kalikhad and Kalaban areas of Billawar in Kathua. Photo: Google Maps
Three hideouts were arrested in Jammu’s Kathua during an ongoing anti-terror operation in a forest area, the J&K Police said on Friday (January 16, 2026).
A police spokesman said two terrorist hideouts were busted by joint teams of security forces in Kalikhad and Kalaban areas of Billawar in Kathua.
Recovery from these shelters included a cooking gas cylinder, cooking oil, charging wire, gloves, kitchen and dining utensils, an empty oil gallon, large plastic bags, a flashlight, blankets, food containers and wrappers, and other miscellaneous items.
The first hideout was arrested on January 7 following “reliable intelligence about the movement of anti-national element(s) in the forest area of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban, Dhanu Parole, Billawar”.
“Joint teams of security forces acted swiftly on intelligence and launched a massive search operation to neutralize the terrorists. During the operation, unknown terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces, leading to a gunfight that continued throughout the night,” police said.
Police recovered two empty M4 cartridges, one plastic box of desi ghee, one polythene packet containing tonsils, gloves, one cap, one blanket, one sheet, one small pouch and a polythene bag.
“The search operation is still going on and the Kathua police remain fully committed to maintaining peace and security in the district,” said Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kathua.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 22:24 IST