KATHUA, March 23 – A seven-year-old girl was injured during a fierce gunbattle between security forces and suspected militants in the Sanyal Hiranagar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Sunday, officials said, as the ongoing anti-militancy operation was suspended for the night.
The minor, identified as Anchal, daughter of Naga Mato, sustained injuries amid the exchange of fire and was swiftly evacuated to Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua for treatment, according to officials cited by the Kashmir Bulletin news agency. Her condition was not immediately clear.
The clash erupted earlier Sunday as part of a large-scale search operation launched by security forces following intelligence reports of militant presence in the area. Several militants are believed to be trapped in Sanyal Hiranagar, officials said, though no casualties among security personnel or militants have been confirmed.
Security forces have halted the operation for the night due to challenging conditions, with plans to resume at first light on Monday, officials added. “The operation will continue tomorrow morning,” a security official told The Chenab Times, declining to be named.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the Kathua operation, which began with a massive firefight earlier in the day. The region, close to the Pakistan border, remains a volatile zone amid heightened efforts by Indian forces to curb insurgency.
Local residents have been advised to remain cautious as the situation unfolds. Further updates are expected as the operation resumes.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
