Terrorist killed in Akhnoor encounter: Army

Jammu, Oct 28: Security forces Monday killed one terrorist in an encounter that erupted after a group of terrorists, believed to be three, opened fire on an army convoy near Assan temple at Battal in Akhnoor of Jammu district.

Official sources stated that an army ambulance was hit by a volley of bullets as terrorists made an abortive bid to ambush the (Army) convoy. They said that swift retaliation by the army personnel foiled (ambush) attempt and also ensured that they (army personnel) remained unhurt.

Meanwhile, an intensive search operation was in progress to hunt down the rest of the terrorists, believed to be holed up in adjoining dense forests as the body of the slain terrorist was already recovered along with a weapon.

According to officials, the reinforcement, equipped with advanced surveillance equipment, was rushed to the spot immediately to join the operation. National Security Guards (NSGs) had reached the spot as copters and tanks were also pressed into service to bolster the operation to neutralise holed-up terrorists in forests along Battal.

A strict cordon was laid all along the encounter site and adjoining areas, plugging all exit routes.

PRO Defence Jammu, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, confirming the killing of one terrorist, said, “The body of one terrorist along with a weapon has been recovered. Operations are under progress.”

Earlier, the Army’s White Knight (16) Corps, in an official statement, said, “The terrorists fired upon a convoy near Assan in Sunderbani sector, targetting army vehicles in the morning. Swift retaliation by the troops ensured the foiling of the attempt, ensuring no injuries. The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation to neutralise the rest of the terrorists is ongoing.”

In a similar statement, the Police said, “Terrorists were spotted near Assan Mandir, Battal in the jurisdiction of Police Station Khour in Akhnoor of district Jammu. They fired some rounds at an Army ambulance. The area was cordoned off and a joint search operation was launched by Police and Security forces.”

Cautioning against rumour-mongering, a Police spokesperson said, “It is confirmed that no injuries were reported from the attack on the Army vehicle, and further details are being investigated. The situation remains under control and we urge the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.”

“Security forces continue to monitor the area closely following the recent alerts for border districts,” the Police spokesperson said, denying reports regarding “the neutralisation of three terrorists.”