JAMMU: Two days after terrorists attacked Reasi, killing nine people including seven Shiv Khori pilgrims and injuring 43, two more terror incidents occurred in Hiranagar, Kathua district, and Chattargalla, Doda district. These attacks targeted civilians and an Army and police camp.
One terrorist was killed, a CRPF jawan was martyred, and a civilian was injured in Hiranagar. Meanwhile, five Army jawans and one SPO of J&K Police were injured in ongoing exchanges of fire in Chattargalla.
Additional DGP Jammu Zone, Anand Jain, informed reporters at Hiranagar on Wednesday night that two terrorists were spotted in Saida Sukhal village near Koota Morh in Hiranagar tehsil, Kathua district. One terrorist was killed in an exchange of fire after attempting to throw a grenade, while the second remains at large.
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“There have been no civilian deaths or any hostage situation. Only one civilian was injured and has been evacuated to the hospital,” Jain said. He asserted that this was a fresh infiltration attempt by the hostile neighbor, referring to Pakistan, aiming to disturb the region’s peace.
Regarding the Chattargalla encounter, Jain reported that terrorists fired upon a joint checkpoint of 4 Rashtriya Rifles and police, prompting security personnel to retaliate. “The encounter is ongoing,” he added.
In Hiranagar, Police, Army, SOG, and CRPF have established a massive cordon around the area to prevent the remaining terrorists from escaping.
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Eyewitnesses from Saida Sukhal and nearby villages told The New Indian that two terrorists appeared around 7:45 PM, entering a house to demand water and food. The occupants, a father and son, refused and fled, leading the terrorists to another house where they asked for water and a vehicle. The occupants also refused.
Police, having been alerted to the terrorists’ presence, arrived at Saida Sukhal and confronted them. One terrorist attempted to throw a grenade but was killed by police. His accomplice escaped into the darkness and is believed to be hiding in the village. Omkar Nath, who sustained arm injuries, is in stable condition, while his wife is unhurt. An AK rifle and a rucksack were recovered from the slain terrorist.
A group of terrorists recently spotted in Basantgarh, Udhampur district, had also infiltrated from the International Border in Kathua. It is suspected they may have used jungle routes to reach Udhampur, Doda forests, and Kashmir, though this remains under investigation, sources said.