Suspected Pak terrorist killed after attack on village in JK’s Kathua

An AK assault rifle and a backpack were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorist whose identity and group membership were established, officials said | Photo: PTI

A suspected Pakistani terrorist was killed by security forces on Tuesday evening after the ultras attacked a village near the International Border (IB) in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and injured a civilian, police said.

A large-scale operation is being planned to flush out the remaining terrorists, who are believed to have infiltrated from across the border.

The incident in the Jammu region comes two days after terrorists attacked a bus ferrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a deep gorge, resulting in the death of nine persons and injuries to 41 others.

The terrorists struck Saida Sukhal village near Koota Mode in Hiranagar sector, over 60 km from here, on Tuesday evening, a police spokesperson said, adding that one terrorist was killed during the subsequent search operation by the security forces.

An AK assault rifle and a backpack were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorist whose identity and group membership were established, the officials said.

The operation was underway when the last reports came in, the spokesperson said.

A civilian identified as Bitu, who suffered serious injuries to one of his arms during the terrorist fire, was evacuated to hospital, officials said.

Union minister Jitendra Singh said he is in constant touch with top civil sector officials and police in the district, which is part of his parliamentary constituency Udhampur, and with a local villager whose house was attacked by the terrorists.

Earlier, officials said police and other security forces were rushed to the village around 7.45pm following suspicious movement of three persons.

A few gunshots, believed to have been fired by the suspected terrorists, were heard after some people raised the alarm, they said.

A massive search operation is underway to neutralize the terrorists, the officials said. Senior police officers, including Additional Director General of Police, Jammu and Anand Jain, have reached the spot to monitor the operation.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, I am in constant online contact with DC (Deputy Commissioner) Kathua Sh Rakesh Minhas in the wake of the terrorist attack on a house in Saida village in Hiranagar sector, close to the international border.

“I am also in touch with SSP Kathua Sh Anayat Ali Choudhary, who is on the spot. The owner of the house that was attacked (name withheld) is also in contact via mobile phone. A joint police and paramilitary operation is underway. the minister wrote on X’.

He also confirmed the killing of one terrorist so far, saying: I and my office are in constant contact and are closely monitoring developments.

First print: June 12, 2024 | 7:03 am IST