The security forces have killed two terrorists responsible for opening fire in a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua late last night. Tragically, a paramilitary soldier lost his life during the exchange of fire.
The overnight encounters, which began in Jammu, continued into the morning. One occurred in Doda, where five soldiers and a Special Police Officer (SPO) were injured in an attack on an army post.
Just days before these terror incidents, a tragic event unfolded when a bus carrying pilgrims came under attack in Reasi, crashing into a gorge and claiming the lives of nine passengers.
Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for the Jammu zone, who is overseeing the anti-terrorist operations in Kathua, shared details of the encounters.
Regarding the incident in Doda, Jain stated that terrorists opened fire at a joint party of police and Rashtriya Rifles at an army base in the Chattargala area late last night. An ongoing encounter is taking place between security forces and the terrorists in the higher reaches, he confirmed.
In the Kathua attack, police reported the involvement of two terrorists, with one being eliminated last night. The second terrorist, armed with a US-made M4 carbine assault rifle, was holed up in a forested area and was neutralized this morning.
According to police statements, the terrorists had approached several houses asking for water, raising suspicions among villagers. When villagers raised an alarm, the terrorists opened fire, resulting in one civilian being injured. ADGP Jain clarified that despite rumors, only one civilian was injured, and there were no reported fatalities in the Kathua attack.
The security personnel killed during the encounter belonged to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
ADGP Jain labeled the Kathua attack as a “fresh infiltration,” indirectly pointing fingers at Pakistan. “It is our hostile neighbor who always tries to damage the peaceful environment in our country. This appears to be a fresh infiltration,” he remarked.
The recent attacks in Jammu have alarmed residents and officials alike, especially considering their occurrence in areas previously known to be free of terrorism.
