“Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) felicitated 70 personnel for their role in the successful 17-day-long anti-terror operation carried out in Kathua district earlier this year,” officials said.

The commendation ceremony was organised at the district police lines in Kathua on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) to honour those associated with the operation, which began in the Padetar area of Billawar mountainous belt in Kathua district from January 7 to January 23 this year.

“During the operation, security forces neutralised a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist identified as Usman after an extensive cordon and search operation in the difficult terrain of Padetar,” a police spokesman said.

He said 70 personnel from Kathua police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) were honoured with cash rewards and commendation certificates for their contribution in intelligence gathering, area domination and execution of the operation.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kathua, Mohita Sharma, presided over the function and appreciated the courage, professionalism and dedication displayed by the personnel during the operation.

Addressing the gathering, the SSP said the successful operation reflected the unwavering resolve of Kathua Police to maintain peace and foil the designs of terror outfits.

She said such operations become successful due to seamless coordination, timely intelligence inputs and the bravery of the forces on the ground.