Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir intensified search efforts on Monday after an exchange of fire with militants in the Kathua district. In an unprecedented move, the state’s top cop, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, joined the frontline — AK-47 in hand — alongside senior officers.
An Unprecedented Move by J&K’s Top Cop
It’s not every day that a police chief steps into a live operation. In fact, this might be the first time in over three decades that a J&K DGP has done so. Nalin Prabhat, accompanied by key officials including Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti and Deputy Inspector General (Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range) Shiv Kumar Sharma, ventured into the dense Kathua forests where militants were last spotted.
The team wasn’t just overseeing things from a safe distance — they were actively combing the area. Prabhat, carrying an AK-47, was seen moving alongside his men, a rare and striking image of leadership in the field.
Local sources say the decision to join the operation personally wasn’t pre-planned. It came after reports of militants crossing over into Saniyal village in the Hiranagar sector, where locals spotted them and raised the alarm.
The Encounter That Triggered the Hunt
Sunday’s clash started when militants engaged security forces in a brief but intense exchange of gunfire. Details remain scarce, but officials confirm that no casualties were reported on the security side.
The militants, believed to have infiltrated from across the border, are suspected to still be hiding in the forested terrain. The combing operation, now stretching into its second day, aims to flush them out.
One officer involved described the forest as “treacherous terrain — thick, uneven, and easy to get lost in.” He added that the militants likely chose this area for its natural cover and proximity to escape routes.
A Show of Strength and Solidarity
Nalin Prabhat’s decision to lead from the front has resonated beyond security circles. Many see it as a morale booster for the forces on the ground. In a region where militants often target security personnel, the sight of the DGP himself carrying a weapon sends a strong message.
- It reassures officers and jawans that leadership isn’t just about issuing commands from behind a desk.
- It signals to militants that the state’s top brass is personally invested in the fight against insurgency.
- It boosts public confidence, especially among locals who remain on edge after spotting armed infiltrators near their homes.
A senior officer, speaking anonymously, remarked, “This kind of leadership isn’t just symbolic. It builds trust — within the force and with the public.”
What’s Next for Kathua?
The operation remains ongoing. Security forces have sealed off key entry and exit points around the forest. Drones and sniffer dogs are being deployed to cover difficult terrain.
Officials remain tight-lipped about the number of militants involved. Estimates vary, with sources suggesting anywhere from two to five individuals. Given the geography and the militants’ knowledge of the terrain, the search could extend for days.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging residents to stay alert but remain calm. Patrols have increased in nearby villages, and intelligence units are monitoring chatter for clues on the militants’ movements or affiliations.
The situation remains tense, but Nalin Prabhat’s bold participation has undoubtedly reshaped the narrative — a rare moment of leadership that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
