Massive searches underway in Doda forests to trace terrorists

Srinagar, June 13: A day after six security personnel were injured in twin terrorist attacks in Doda district, a cordon and search operation is underway to track the holed-up terrorists. High alert has been sounded in the entire Doda-Bhaderwah region, officials said on Thursday.
A senior Army officer told Rising Kashmir that search operation has been launched by the Army, J&K Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the densely forested area of the district.
“The entire forest belt is still under tight security cordon to neutralise the terrorists. The area is mountainous and the forest is dense, making the operation difficult and dangerous. We have installed lights and more troops are arriving at the spot from nearby companies,” he said.
“It is the same group of terrorists that was roaming in the region. They have recently infiltrated. We are hopeful that we will succeed in eliminating the entire group of terrorists involved in this attack,” Army officials said.
According to officials, the encounter, which started on June 12 at 20:20 hrs, involved a clash between security forces and terrorists at Kota Top, Gandoh, Doda. During this operation, Constable Fareed Ahmed (973/D) of the Special Operations Group (SOG) Gandoh sustained injuries.
The Jammu and Kashmir police shared that the encounter was ongoing and further details were awaited.
Following the encounter, the Jammu and Kashmir police released sketches of four terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, Thathri, and Gandoh in the district. A reward of Rs 5 lakh is being offered for any information leading to their capture, with assurances that the informant’s identity will remain confidential.
Security has been tightened, with ‘Naka’ checking and rigorous vehicle inspections implemented across the region.
On Wednesday, seven security personnel, including 5 Armymen, were injured after twin terrorists in Chattergala and GandohBhalessa areas of Doda district in the Jammu region.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu said that Army and Police joint Naka has engaged terrorists in Chattargala area of Doda. Firefight is going on. In the first terrorist incident, 5 Army men and 1 J&K Police constable were injured, he said.
The ADGP Jammu Jain said that around 8:20 PM on Wednesday, another encounter began between security forces and terrorists at Kota Top in Gandoh, Doda.
“During the encounter at Kota Top, KerlooBhalessa, Gandoh, Constable Fareed Ahmed (No. 973/D), who was posted with the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Gandoh, sustained injuries,” he said, adding that the encounter is still ongoing.
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