Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir - In a tragic turn of events, a paramilitary soldier was killed and a terrorist was eliminated during a fierce encounter late last night in Kathua. The confrontation ensued after terrorists launched an attack on a village, plunging the area into chaos.
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The encounter, which began overnight, continued into the morning and included another significant confrontation in Doda, where five soldiers and a special police officer (SPO) sustained injuries during the initial shootout.
The recent violence follows closely on the heels of a devastating attack two days ago in Reasi, where a bus carrying pilgrims was ambushed. The bus, en route to the Shiv Khori cave temple, crashed into a gorge after being fired upon, resulting in nine fatalities and 33 injuries.
Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu zone, has been at the forefront, overseeing the anti-terror operations in Kathua. He provided a detailed briefing on the ongoing encounters earlier this morning.
Regarding the Doda incident, ADGP Jain disclosed that terrorists targeted a joint police and Rashtriya Rifles team at an army base in the Chattargala area late last night. The ensuing gunfight continues in the higher reaches as security forces engage the terrorists.
In Kathua, police reported that two terrorists were involved in last evening's attack, leading to the death of one of the assailants. Efforts to locate the second terrorist are ongoing, with security forces employing drones in the Hiranagar area.
The terrorists, before launching their attack, asked several villagers for water, arousing suspicion. When some villagers raised the alarm, the terrorists opened fire, injuring one civilian. ADGP Jain clarified rumors circulating about multiple casualties and hostages, confirming that only one civilian was injured and denying reports of three deaths.
The fallen security force personnel was a member of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). ADGP Jain characterized the Kathua incident as a "fresh infiltration," implicating Pakistan without directly naming it. "It is our hostile neighbor who always tries to damage the peaceful environment in our country. This (Hiranagar terror attack) appears to be a fresh infiltration," he stated.
Jammu has been on high alert following these recent attacks, occurring in areas previously considered free from terrorism. Officials have linked the Reasi bus attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Hamza, highlighting the continuing threat posed by militant groups in the region.
As operations continue, the region remains tense, with security forces working tirelessly to restore peace and stability.