An intense encounter is underway in the Gandoh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, as reported by J&K Police on Wednesday. This follows intelligence that a group of three to four terrorists was operating in the higher reaches of the district, prompting a search operation despite the challenging terrain.
On Tuesday night, terrorists attacked a joint check post manned by the Rashtriya Rifles and a special police officer (SPO) in Chattergalla, located on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot road. The attack injured five Rashtriya Rifles troopers and an SPO.
Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range, Shridhar Patil, revealed that recent intelligence reports indicated terrorist movements, leading to the establishment of temporary posts and checkpoints in the higher reaches and along the interstate road. Late Tuesday night, the sentry at Chattergalla pass, which connects Doda district and Kathua district, spotted suspicious activity. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, resulting in an exchange lasting over an hour and a half.
“Our personnel fought bravely. Though some were injured, all are stable and out of danger,” Patil said, adding that modern equipment is being used to comb the area thoroughly, with the hope of neutralizing the terrorist group soon. The group is believed to consist of three to four members.
The challenging mountainous terrain with thick forest cover necessitates tactical movement, making the combing operation time-consuming and delicate to avoid casualties. Consequently, officials have suspended traffic on the busy Bhaderwah-Pathankot interstate highway and are conducting a search and cordon operation in Chattergalla, Guldandi, Sarthal, Shankh Pader, and the Kailash mountain range.
The security forces continue their encounter to neutralize the terrorist threat, ensuring the safety and security of the region.