CRPF Officer Killed, Six Injured in Renewed Terrorist Attack in J&K, Ongoing Gunfight

Only two days before these two terrorist incidents in Jammu, a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked in Reasi, resulting in the deaths of nine passengers.

Srinagar: A paramilitary officer was killed in action, and a terrorist was neutralized during an encounter in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua late last night. Two encounters that started overnight in Jammu have extended into the morning, including one in Doda where five soldiers and a special police officer (SPO) were injured during the initial gunfire exchange.

Just two days before these terrorist attacks in Jammu, a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked in Reasi, resulting in the deaths of nine passengers. Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police for the Jammu zone, who is overseeing the anti-terrorist operations in Kathua, provided updates on the encounters earlier this morning.

Regarding the Doda incident, he reported that terrorists opened fire on a joint team of police and Rashtriya Rifles at an army base in the Chattargala area late last night. The encounter between security forces and terrorists continues in the higher reaches.

Police reported that two terrorists carried out the Kathua attack last evening, resulting in one being killed. Security forces are now deploying drones to locate the second terrorist in the Hiranagar area of Kathua.

The terrorists had asked several houses for water, arousing suspicion among villagers. When some villagers raised the alarm, the terrorists opened fire, injuring one civilian. ADGP Jain refuted reports of three deaths, confirming only one civilian injury and dismissing other rumors about hostages and fatalities.

The security personnel killed in the encounter was a member of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

ADGP Jain referred to the Kathua attack as a "fresh infiltration," subtly implicating Pakistan. He stated, "Our hostile neighbor constantly attempts to disturb the peace in our country. This (Hiranagar Terror attack) appears to be a new infiltration."

Jammu has been on high alert for terrorism, with recent attacks occurring in previously peaceful areas.

Two days earlier, terrorists attacked a bus heading to the Shiv Khori cave temple in Reasi. The terrorists opened fire after the driver refused to deboard the passengers, causing the bus to lose control and fall into a gorge. Nine individuals lost their lives and 33 sustained injuries in the incident. Authorities indicated that the attack was planned by Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Hamza.