Srinagar, June 12: In yet another terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, five soldiers and a special police officer were injured in an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district.
This is the third such incident in three days in Jammu after terrorists opened fire in Kathua, injuring a civilian, and at a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, killing nine passengers and injuring 42. The police said with the assistance of the CRPF, they have cordoned off the area and are conducting a house-to-house search.
A family consisting of a man and his wife has been evacuated to a hospital. The husband, Omkar Nath, suffered an arm injury and is reported to be in stable condition, while his wife remains unhurt.
Sharing details about the Kathua operation, additional director general of police, Jammu zone, Anand Jain, said, "Two terrorists who appeared to be freshly infiltrated (from across the border) surfaced in Saida Sukhal village around 8 pm and asked for water from a household. The people got frightened and as soon as information was received, a police team headed by sub-divisional police officer and Station House officer rushed to the village."
The terrorists asked for water from several houses, raising villagers' suspicions. When villagers raised an alarm, the terrorists fired randomly, injuring one person. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Hiranagar and the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) engaged the terrorists, resulting in the death of one terrorist who tried to lob a grenade at the police party.
"One of the terrorists tried to hurl a grenade and was killed in the exchange of fire, while the second terrorist is reported to be hiding in the village," the ADGP added.
The Jammu ADGP further said the attack seems to be a ploy to disturb the Amarnath Yatra.
“As Amarnath Yatra is approaching, this seems to be a ploy to disturb the yatra. One civilian is injured and there is no hostage situation,” Jain said.
On the other hand, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan Kabir Dass was critically injured in a firing by a terrorist holed up in Saida Sukhal village around 3 am, officials said, adding the soldier was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Meanwhile, Union minister Jitendra Singh also took to his official X handle and posted, "I am in continuous online contact with DC Kathua Rakesh Minhas in the wake of a terrorist attack on a house in village Saida in Hiranagar sector close to the International Border. I am also in touch with SSP Kathua Sh Anayat Ali Choudhary who is on the spot. The owner of the house that was attacked (name not to be disclosed) is also in touch on mobile phone. A joint police and para-military operation are going on. One terrorist neutralised so far. I and my office are in constant touch and keeping a close watch on the developments."