Terrorist Killed In Gunfight After Attack On J&K Village, Security Forces Launch Massive Operation

A terrorist was killed in a gunfight with security forces on Tuesday after militants opened fire at a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.

The Zonal Police Media Centre Jammu confirmed the news on social media regarding the death of the terrorist during the ongoing operation and added that details are awaited.

“Update: One terrorist killed, Operation going in village Saida Sukhal near koota mode PS Hira Nagar. Details awaited,” the X post said.

The firing took place following a massive search operation conducted by the security forces in a forest area prompted by reports of suspicious movement in the region.

According to an official, at least two to three terrorists were spotted around Seda Sohal village in the Hiranagar sector around 7:45 pm. They forcefully entered a house and demanded water. A father and son who were present in the house managed to escape, prompting the terrorists to open fire on them.

Upon receiving the information, police and other security forces responded and initiated a large-scale search operation to track down the fleeing suspects.

The remaining terrorists are currently trapped, and the operation is still ongoing, the official stated.

‘In constant touch and keeping close watch’: Jitendra Singh

Speaking about the incident on X, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that he is in contact with Kathua’s district commissioner.

“I am in continuous online contact with DC #Kathua Sh Rakesh Minhas in the wake of terrorist attack on a house in village Saida 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,” Singh wrote.

“The owner of the house that was attacked (name not to be disclosed) is also in touch on mobile phone. Joint police & para military operation is going on. One terrorist neutralised so far. I and my office are in constant touch and keeping a close watch on the developments,” the Union Minister added.

Speaking to the media, sarpanch of Panchayat Surada Jasbir Singh said, “In village Sukhal militants are present and they are firing. We have also received info that they have kidnapped someone, but we don’t have the full info right now. SHO and the police team is present at the spot…As of now, we have heard that there are seven militants and one person has been killed by them, but this info is yet to be confirmed…”

The incident comes two days after terrorists opened fire on a bus traveling from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The attack caused the driver to lose control, leading the bus to plunge into a gorge near the Teryath village in the Poni area of Reasi. At least nine people were killed, and 41 were injured in the attack.

(With inputs from PTI)