Two terrorists killed in a day-long encounter in J&K’s Kathua
- In Reports
- 10:15 PM, Sep 12, 2024
- Myind Staff
Jammu and Kashmir are once again in turmoil before the first round of the three-phase Assembly elections as two terrorists were reported to have been killed in a day-long encounter in the Kathua-Udhampur border belt in Kathua on Wednesday.
According to a senior security officer, as the Army received the information about the presence of terrorist troops, it launched a search operation in Khandara base of Kathua district. The district is part of the border with its neighbouring Udhampur. He mentioned that during the search operation, which also involved elite para-commandos, contact was established with the hiding terrorists. “In the ensuing gunfight, two terrorists have been killed. The search operation is going on”, he added.
According to the official, more troops have been sent to the area to tighten the siege and prevent terrorists from escaping the area. Another senior security official informed that two-four more terrorists were hiding in the area. He further added that throughout the day, security personnel used drones for aerial surveillance of the area.
According to reports, Pakistani troops, in a rather separate incident, breached the border ceasefire and fired on the BSF posts in the Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Further sharing the information, a BSF spokesperson said, “At about 2.35 am, an incident of unprovoked firing in the Akhnoor area from across the border happened. It was responded by the BSF personnel. A BSF jawan sustained injuries in Pakistani firing”. He also concluded that the injured was hospitalised.
Consequently, the Army and BSF, which are deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on strong alert. The respective units have also been ordered to intensify vigil and patrolling ahead of the Assembly elections. The elections are set to take place in there phases – September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting for the same will take place on October 8.
The Army and police contingent conducted a search operation in the Keran sector of the Kupwara border area as part of their increased vigil. The Army took to X to update on the material it gained in the search. “Searches led to recovery of a very large cache of arms ammunition and explosives including AK 47 rounds, hand grenades, RPG rounds, material for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) & other war-like stores,” the Army posted on social media platform ‘X’.
The post concluded that the recovery is significant considering the prevailing security situation and keeping important upcoming events in view. There has been an increase in terror attacks and encounters in the Jammu region since June this year. Terrorists are using jungle warfare tactics and have conducted hit-and-run attacks on security forces in Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Poonch districts.
A number of encounters have taken place in the region of Jammu, especially in forest areas. Terrorists have been taking advantage of the topography and dense forests during attack and encounters.
On 19 August, CRPF Inspector Kuldeep Kumar was killed when a joint area domination patrol of police and paramilitary CRPF at Chill, Dudu area of Udhampur district.
Army Captain Deepak Singh and a Pakistani terrorist were killed in an encounter five days ago in the dense Akar Forest area of neighbouring Doda district. Even two soldiers and a civilian were killed in an encounter in a forest area of Ahlan Gadole area of Kokernag in Anantnag district on August 11. Four Army soldiers, including a Captain, were also killed in an encounter with troops at Desa forest area of Doda district on July 16.
Image Source: The New Indian Express
Comments