Jammu and Kashmir police reported on Wednesday that one terrorist was killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in the forest area of Doda district. The operation was initiated as part of a search and cordon operation following twin terrorist attacks earlier this month in the district.
The gunfight broke out in Bajaad village in the Gandoh area around 9:50 am, as state police, along with the Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), intensified their search and cordon efforts following the attacks on June 11 and 12, 2024.
Security forces had been conducting anti-terror operations and had announced a reward of ₹5 lakhs each for four Pakistani terrorists believed to have infiltrated and operated in the district after the twin attacks.
According to police officials, the encounter ensued when security forces encountered heavy fire from terrorists hiding in a mud house (‘dhok’) during an operation in Sinoo Panchayat village. One terrorist was killed in the exchange of fire after he emerged and fired at the search parties.
As of the latest reports, the firefight was ongoing, with additional support from an army helicopter for surveillance in the area.
In a separate incident, officials reported the recovery of a Chinese hand grenade from Pind village in the Chingus area of Rajouri district.
Earlier this month, on June 19, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Baramulla district. The region has seen heightened tension since June 9, with terror strikes in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda resulting in casualties among pilgrims and security personnel.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently chaired a security review meeting on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for all security agencies to operate in a coordinated and responsive manner.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also convened a high-level meeting earlier this month to discuss the escalating security challenges in the region following a series of terror incidents.
