Searches continue in Kishtwar

Jammu, May 24: Massive search operation continued in Chhatroo, Singhpora and other adjoining areas in Kishtwar on the third consecutive day on Saturday to trace and neutralise hiding terrorists.

Success, however, so far eluded the security forces engaged in Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) launched after exchange of fire with the terrorists on Thursday morning.

In the ensuing encounter, one army soldier was killed and two others were injured however the terrorists, presumably three to four in number, managed to escape.

However, following exchange of fire, a massive joint combing operation was launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, Indian Army, and other paramilitary forces including CRPF, to track the hiding terrorists with additional mobilisation of troops well equipped with surveillance equipment.

Senior officers from the Police, Army and CRPF were camping at the encounter site to ensure effective coordination among the forces.

On Thursday, the Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, joined by IGP Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti and DIG DKR Range Shridhar Patil, too had visited the encounter site and adjoining areas of Singhpora-Chhatroo in district Kishtwar for reviewing the strategy with the officers leading the operation.

The encounter in Chhatroo had begun on Thursday morning when the hiding terrorists opened fire on the security personnel engaged in a joint search operation in the forest area following input about their (terrorists’) presence.

On April 11-12, three terrorists were neutralized in the same area besides recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition.