During the gunfight between security forces and terrorists, one Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan sustained critical injuries in a firing by a terrorist, who was hiding in a village announced officials. But sadly, he passed away from his injuries in the hospital.
Additionally, a civilian was injured during the ongoing gunfight in Saida Sukhal village in the Hiranagar area of J&K’s Kathua district.
However, during the search operation, one terrorist was killed, and efforts are ongoing to neutralize other terrorists who have infiltrated from across the border. Later, another was eliminated on Wednesday.
Corroborating the details, Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone Anand Jain said, ‘Two terrorists who appeared to be freshly infiltrated (from across the border) surfaced in Saida Sukhal village around 8 pm and asked for water from a household. The people got frightened and as soon as information was received, a police team headed by a sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) and a Station House officer (SHO) rushed to the village.’
He also disclosed, that during the attempt to hurl the grenade, one terrorist was killed in the crossfire, while another remains at large, purportedly hiding within the village.
However, today, the body of the second terrorist involved in the Kathua encounter was discovered.
The officials also added, one AK assault rifle and a bag was also recovered from killed terrorist, who identity and group affiliation still being investigated.
Meanwhile, the civilian who sustained injury in his arm was later taken to hospital.
How The Encounter Started?
As per police, the terrorists earlier demanded water from various houses, which made villagers suspicious, when they tried to call for help, the terrorists randomly opened fire, which resulted in the injury of one person.
Talking about the injury, official said, ‘One family, consisting of a man and his wife, has been evacuated to a hospital. The husband, Omkar Nath, suffered an arm injury and is reported to be in stable condition, while his wife remains unhurt’.
Currently, the area has been cordoned off, and CRPF and houses are being investigated with CRPF’s assistance, and contrary to initial reports indicating three civilian injuries, Anand Jain has clarified that only one civilian is injured.
This ongoing encounter coincides with the recent terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, which resulted in the bus plunging into a deep gorge. The incident led to the tragic deaths of nine individuals and left 41 others injured.