Jammu and Kashmir news: Three terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Doda

Jammu and Kashmir news: Jammu and Kashmir police said on Wednesday that security forces killed three terrorists in an ongoing encounter in the forest area of Doda district, following a search and cordon operation launched after twin terrorist attacks earlier this month.

“Two more terrorists have been neutralized in an ongoing joint operation in the Gandoh, Bhaderwah sector of district Doda. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from their possession,” ADGP Jammu said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The police said that a gunfight erupted in Bajaad village, located in the Gandoh area, around 9:50 am. The skirmish occurred amidst an escalated search and cordon operation conducted jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The operation was launched in response to terrorist attacks that took place in the hilly district on June 11 and 12, 2024.

Notably, six security personnel were injured when terrorists attacked a joint check post at Chattargalla on June 11, while a policeman was injured in a gunfight with terrorists at Kota top in the Gandoh area the next day.

Following the twin attacks, security forces intensified their anti-terrorist operations. They announced a cash reward of ₹5 lakhs each for four Pakistani terrorists believed to have infiltrated this side of the Line of Control.

The police officials said the security forces came under heavy fire from the terrorists hiding in a 'dhok' (mud house) when they launched an operation in the village of Sinoo panchayat. One terrorist was killed in the retaliatory fire after he came out and opened fire on the search parties, the officials added.

The exchange of fire was still going on when the last reports were received. They added that an army helicopter was also hovering over the area for surveillance.

Meanwhile, a Chinese hand grenade was recovered from the village of Pind in the Chingus area of the Rajouri district, the officials said.

Earlier on June 19, two terrorists were killed in the Baramulla district in an encounter with security forces.

Since June 9, there have been terror strikes at Reasi, Kathua, and Doda in which nine pilgrims and a CRPF personnel were killed. A civilian and at least seven security personnel were also injured.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and directed all security agencies to "work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner."

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the series of terror-related incidents.