Massive searches underway in Kathua; DGP monitors operation

Jammu, July 9: Massive joint search operation Tuesday continued to hunt down the group of terrorists, who ambushed an army patrolling convoy near Badnota village in Kathua district on July 8, killing five soldiers and injuring five others.

Five soldiers sustained injuries also in the deadly terror attack.

Director General of Police R R Swain, joined by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu zone Anand Jain specially flew to monitor the search operation and review security situation with senior officers of army, Central Para Military Forces and other sister agencies (engaged in operation).

Advanced equipment, metal detectors and sniffers were being used by joint search teams to track the terrorists in dense forest stretches with the active support of helicopters and UAVs surveillance. Special para units were part of the operation.

DGP and ADGP had an aerial survey of the site, while monitoring the operation.

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) also reached Kathua this afternoon. The team visited the site of ambush and took stock of the situation.

As per official sources, given the gravity of the case and far-reaching repercussions, it (case) is also likely to be handed over to NIA.

Meanwhile, the army paid glowing tributes to its five soldiers killed in the ambush.

“Indian army and Western Command salute the bravery and supreme sacrifice of five soldiers in Kathua sector, Jammu on 8 July 24 while fighting the scourge of terrorism. Army Commander and all ranks stand in solidarity with bereaved families. Joint operation is in progress,” Western Command of the Indian Army posted on ‘X’ with pictures of five fallen heroes.

“Nashak Navtara Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to brave-hearts Naib Subedar Anand Singh, Havildar Kamal Singh, Naik Vinod Singh, Rifleman Anuj Negi and Rifleman Adarsh Negi for sacrificing their lives in service of the nation. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family members,” another post of Western Command read.

All the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, belonged to Uttarakhand. Their bodies wrapped in tricolour were airlifted in presence of senior army officers and local authorities in a special IAF aircraft.

Earlier this morning, joint search operation was resumed from Kandli towards Chachru Gala Khadu nullah in Loi Malhar tehsil of Billawar in Kathua district and adjoining areas including Seri Gala besides Basantgarh and other adjoining areas of Udhampur district.

Later senior army officers from 84 Brigade Pathankot and CO 22 Garhwal too reached Jenda nullah - the site of Monday’s incident.

Army choppers, which were pressed into service immediately after the incident yesterday, remained engaged in aerial surveillance throughout the day.

ADGP Law and Order, JIB Director too visited the spot.

All the senior officers reviewed the security situation. DGP directed the security forces, specially search teams to further intensify the cordon so that the terrorists could not escape.

On Monday, five soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were killed and five others were injured when a group of terrorists ambushed two army vehicles on patrolling duty near Badnota village in Kathua district.

The attack occurred within a month after two terrorists were killed in Hiranagar encounter which also claimed the life of a CRPF soldier.