JAMMU: A brief gunfight was reported as security forces pursued Pakistani terrorists in new areas of J&K’s Kathua district, following last Thursday’s gunfight in Sufain forests that left four policemen dead. Two terrorists were also killed, but at least three of them managed to escape.
In Poonch district, a series of landmine blasts occurred in Krishna Ghati sector Tuesday. “No loss of life or injury reported so far,” an official said. The area has an anti-infiltration obstacle system, with landmines that sometimes get washed away by rain and triggered by cattle or human movement.
The forces intensified search operations and laid a cordon in the forested Panjtirthi area of Ramkote in Kathua after gunfire erupted Monday night, officials said Tuesday. Police received intelligence about the presence of three armed men in the area.
“The firing has stopped. A cordon was put up to stop the terrorists from escaping,” an official said.
They are believed to be the same men spotted in combat clothing in Ghati-Juthana forest Monday, just a few km from the site in Sufain. According to officials, the fugitives are constantly on the move, taking advantage of the mountainous terrain’s natural hiding spots, including caves and dense forests.
The forces have deployed drones for aerial surveillance, while sniffer dogs are assisting joint teams from Army, police, NSG, CRPF, and BSF in the search.
Police have detained six members of a jailed “overground” worker of terrorists on suspicion of aiding the armed Pakistani infiltrators in hiding and navigating the area undetected.
According to sources, many people from remote villages may be coerced or financially incentivised to assist the terrorists — such as knowledge of the terrain and resources, enabling the intruders to evade security forces and carry out attacks in the challenging landscape.
