More troops rushed to prevent ultras’ escape
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 5: A militant was killed as an encounter broke out between security forces and militants at village Gunda Khwas in Koteranka area of Rajouri district today while there were reports that two to three more militants could be trapped in the area.
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Army, CRPF, SOG and Police launched searches at Gunda Khwas after developing specific input about presence of a group of militants in the area with a view to cause terror activities ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
In the initial exchange of firing, one militant was killed in the gun battle, the officials said.
Additional DGP Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh said that the encounter was going on.
“According to feedback from the ground, one terrorist has been killed so far,” he said.
SSP Rajouri Amritpal Singh said the encounter was still on till late tonight.
As per reports, number of the militants could be between three to four and one of them has been killed. Two to three others were still trapped. Security forces, however, didn’t suffer any casualties in the operation.
Troops have strengthened cordon in the area to ensure that the militants don’t manage to escape from the spot during night taking advantage of darkness.
Officials said body of the militant is yet to be recovered from the site as other militants could be hiding near the spot. Slain militant was in possession of an assault rifle and some explosive devices.
On July 18, security personnel had eliminated four dreaded foreign militants in the hilly area of Surankote tehsil in Poonch district and recovered large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives from their possession.
Police couldn’t immediately say whether the slain and trapped militants are locals or foreigners. Things would be clear only when the operation is over, they added.
This year has seen number of militant activities in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri
The year began with killing of seven civilians of minority community at Dhangri in Rajouri district. On April 20, five Army soldiers sacrificed their lives in an ambush laid by the militants at Bhatta Durrian in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district while on May 5, five para commandos fell to the bullets of militants in Kandi area of Rajouri district.
However, as per the officials, security forces have maintained pressure on the militants in both the districts now with relentless operations.
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