Jammu and Kashmir: Fresh encounter underway in Doda, fourth terror clash in 3 days

Terrorists clashed with security forces in the Gandoh area of Doda on Wednesday evening — the fourth such incident in the past three days. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a surge in violence recently with three major terror attacks taking place in as many days. A Jammu and Kashmir Police official was shifted to the hospital after being injured in the ongoing clash.  

“Today at 20:20 hrs, an encounter started between security forces & terrorists at Kota Top, Gandoh, Doda. Constable Fareed Ahmed (973/D) of SOG Gandoh was injured during the operation at Kerloo Bhalessa. Encounter ongoing, more details awaited,” read an update from the Zonal Police Media Centre in Jammu.

The encounter is the latest in a series of clashes that have left several security personnel as well as civilians dead. A CRPF jawan was killed and six security personnel were injured in two overnight encounters with terrorists in Kathua and Doda districts on Tuesday. Another nine were killed (and 42 others injured) in Reasi after a a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori shrine was attacked on Sunday.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of four terrorists involved in the two attacks in Doda district on Wednesday and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to their arrest. Terrorists had fired at a joint checkpost of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and police at Chattergalla in Bhaderwah during the attack on Tuesday. A search party was attacked during the second encounter in Doda on Wednesday.

 “District Doda releases sketches of four terrorists who are roaming the the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, Thathri, Gandoh and involved in terror related activites. Jammu and Kashmir Police announces a cash reward of ₹5 lakhs for providing the information of each terrorist,” read a post shared by the police handle. 

(With inputs from agencies)