In a renewed wave of violence, a terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces after gunmen opened fire on a house in the Hiranagar area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred late Tuesday, as reported by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Residents of Saida Sukhal village, located near the international border, reported hearing gunshots and alerted the authorities upon spotting two to three gunmen in the vicinity. The attackers allegedly fired shots at the house before fleeing into the nearby forests.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed the terrorist attack, stating that he was in “continuous online contact” with DC Kathua Rakesh Minhas and SSP Kathua Anayat Ali Choudhary, who was on the spot overseeing the operation. “The owner of the house that was attacked (name not disclosed) is also in touch on mobile phone. Joint police and paramilitary operation is ongoing. One terrorist neutralized so far. I and my office are in constant touch and keeping a close watch on the developments,” the minister posted on social media platform X.
The attack comes just two days after terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims in the Reasi district of Jammu, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 42 others. Security officials suspect the involvement of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in the bus attack.
Extensive efforts to track down the terrorists responsible for the bus attack have entered their second day, with 11 teams of security personnel working on the ground. A multi-directional cordon has been established around the Ranso-Poni-Treyath belt. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, stated that the security forces have obtained some leads and are working jointly with the Army and CRPF on two different axes to neutralize the fleeing terrorists.
“The search operation is ongoing today in and around the area (where the attack took place) with 11 teams working on the ground apart from a multi-directional cordon laid around the Poni-Treyath belt,” another senior police officer said.
Sources By Agencies
