Srinagar: Three militants were killed in an encounter with joint team of forces near Kakrayal in Reasi district’s Katra area. SDPO Nagrota, two officers of CRPF and “some police and security force men” were injured, police said.
A police spokesman said said that yesterday at about 0805 hours during checking by flying squad at Domail, Police Party signaled a truck (No.JK03-1476) which was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar to stop. In the Meantime, three militants who were boarding the truck opened fire, resulting in injuries to one person while they themselves managed to escape in the forest area of Jhajjar Kotli.
Truck was seized and driver and helper were arrested. One AK-56, loaded magazines, one Chinese Pistol and other “incriminating material” was recovered from the site, the spokesperson said.
To track the militants, spokesperson said, massive Cordon and Search Operations were launched by Police, CRPF and Army in the villages near Katra. The security components of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine were also alerted while a lookout notice was issued through social and mass media, he said.
Three SSPs of Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Additional SP Katra and SDPO Nagrota rushed to the spot after receiving information while DIG Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti commanded the operations alongwith Army and CRPF, IGP Jammu Dr. S.D Singh Jamwal who was at Delhi for a meeting rushed back and joined the operations.
The vast area was kept under tight cordon during the night and with daybreak contact was established after militants were tracked at Kakrayal, he said. “The exchange of fire continued till 5 p m this evening. In this encounter all the three militants were neutralized.”
It seems a case of fresh infiltration of yesterday morning from Pakistan most likely from Hiranagar belt of International Border, he said. “These (militants) had come from Pakistan to disturb peace and cause violence against the people of State.”
Preliminary investigation points that the militants belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad. “Bodies of all the three 9militants) have been recovered. Arms and ammunition have also been recovered from the terrorists.”
DGP J&K Sh Dilbag Singh IPS has complimented the role of the Police, CRPF, Army and general public of the area who cooperated with the operational parties from yesterday which led to successful culmination of the operations.
