Terrorist killed, hunt on for 2 more in Rajouri

JAMMU: Security forces killed a terrorist in an encounter in the forested Dassal Gujran area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Friday and seized arms and ammunition from the spot. The anti-terror operation continued till the time of going to press with two-three terrorists still believed trapped in the woods.
As a precautionary measure, schools in the area have been temporarily closed by the administration.
The body of the slain terrorist was recovered from the encounter site along with war-like stores including an AK-56 rifle, seven AK magazines (one full, one with two rounds and another with three rounds, while four were empty), 60 AK rounds, four grenades, 12 detonators, one IED switch, and a battery. Other items found included lemon biscuits, two packets of cigarettes, Lahore-made coconut cookies, assorted medicines and some clothing including a sweater, said an official.
“Based on intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Army and J&K Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area late Thursday. Around midnight, troops noticed suspicious movement and challenged the terrorists, who opened fire on the search party, triggering a fierce gunfight. In retaliatory firing, one terrorist was killed,” Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said. “Sporadic firing continued throughout the night. Search operations were launched on first light by a joint team of the Army and police,” he added.
“A group of two to three terrorists is believed to be trapped. Reinforcements have been made and the area has been cordoned off,” said an official.
ADGP (Jammu Zone) Mukesh Singh said the operation was still underway.