In a high-stakes counter-terror operation in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir police, in coordination with the Indian Army and CRPF, killed Usman, a Pakistani commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist group, who had taken a local family hostage. The operation, which had been ongoing for over a week, ended after the terrorists’ fortified hideouts were located and neutralised.
According to Kathua SSP Mohita Sharma, the operation began following specific intelligence inputs about Usman’s presence in Parhetar village. “Our team received information around 1 pm that he was inside a house and had taken civilians hostage. We immediately cordoned off the area, with CRPF and army personnel, and evacuated the civilians before engaging the terrorist,” Sharma said.
The encounter escalated into a gunbattle when Usman fired first from inside the house. Demonstrating exceptional bravery, the Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully overpowered the terrorist, snatched his weapon, and neutralized him. An M4 assault rifle was recovered from him.
Authorities described Usman as a “dreaded” terrorist who had been active in the region since 2024, with six terror cases registered against him, including attacks on civilians and security forces. “Three of his hideouts have already been busted, including natural caves he used and one manmade shelter,” Sharma added.
The week-long operation involved meticulous searches through dense forested areas of Kathua. Officials stated that multiple hideouts were destroyed and intelligence inputs were continually updated to track the terrorist’s movements. “This operation reflects the coordination and courage of our forces. The safety of civilians remained our top priority throughout,” the SSP remarked.
This encounter highlights ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly against well-armed and entrenched terrorist groups operating from cross-border territories. The swift and coordinated response by security forces prevented what could have been a catastrophic hostage situation.
Background:
Usman, a Pakistani national and senior JeM commander, had been actively involved in terror operations since 2024.
Six terror acts were registered against him, including killings of civilians and security personnel.
Over the course of the operation, three hideouts, including natural caves and one manmade shelter, were destroyed.
The Parhetar village encounter marks a significant success for Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces in counter-terrorism efforts.
The Kathua operation underlines the combined strength and vigilance of J&K Police, CRPF, and the Indian Army in safeguarding civilians while neutralizing high-value terrorist threats.
