Village Defence Guard member martyred in gunfight with terrorists in J&K

JAMMU: A member of the Village Defence Guard (VDG) lost his life in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in a remote village situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, officials confirmed.

According to reports, security forces have launched a massive search operation to apprehend the terrorists, believed to have recently infiltrated from Pakistan.

The exchange of gunfire occurred in Panara village of Basantgarh around 7:45 am when a joint patrolling team comprising police and VDG members encountered the suspected terrorists, officials stated.

Following an intense half-hour-long exchange of fire, the terrorists managed to evade capture, fleeing deep into the forest area. Security forces promptly initiated a pursuit operation to track down the militants.

Tragically, VDG member Mohd Sharief, hailing from Khaned, sustained critical injuries during the encounter and succumbed to his wounds, officials reported.

Detailing the sequence of events, a police spokesperson stated, “After receiving intelligence regarding the movement of suspicious individuals late Saturday evening, the J&K Police activated security measures in Basantgarh police station limits. This morning, a police party proceeded towards Chochru Gala heights where they encountered a group of hiding terrorists.”

The spokesperson added that the Special Operations Group of police, along with Army and CRPF units, swiftly responded to bolster the cordon and neutralize the terrorists.

Official sources revealed that intelligence indicated the presence of two separate groups of infiltrators, with one group of five members engaged by security forces. However, the whereabouts of the other group, comprising four members last spotted in the Machedi top area bordering Kathua, remain unknown.