Searches in Akhnoor, other areas
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 22: After several days of lull, a fresh encounter broke out today between security forces and terrorists in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district as the ongoing anti-terror drive continues across other parts of Jammu ahead of Republic Day.
The operation in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora in Chatroo belt was launched on Sunday, leading to a gunfight in which one paratrooper was martyred and seven other soldiers injured.
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However, the terrorists fled deep inside the forest after several hours of gunfight taking advantage of thick vegetation and challenging terrain but the security forces continued their hunt and finally tracked the terrorists hiding in a wooden structure at Mali Dana top this morning, the officials said.
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They said a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides continued for hours together.
The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway when last reports were received, the officials said, adding a soldier reportedly sustained minor injuries in the exchange of gunfight.
A hideout of the terrorists was blown up by the troops. However, it is yet to be ascertained whether the terrorists were killed or escaped again.
Earlier, a major terrorist hideout was unearthed near the scene of the first encounter on Monday while several individuals were picked up for questioning.
A group of three terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are believed to be trapped in the area, officials said.
They said police assisted by security forces conducted a thorough search operation in Sumah area of Akhnoor sector in Jammu after a Village Defence Guard reported suspicious movement in the early hours of the day.
However, there was no trace of the suspected persons, the officials said.
Search operations were also carried out at dozens of places in Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Udhampur and Samba districts during the day, the officials said.
Security forces are on high alert across Jammu region in view of the upcoming Republic Day to ensure peaceful celebrations and thwart any attempt by the terrorists to disturb peace in the region.
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