3 JEM terrorists killed, cop injured in gunfight
JAMMU: Security forces gunned down three Jaish-e-mohammed (JEM) terrorists in an encounter on the Jammu-srinagar National Highway on Friday, police officials familiar with the matter said.
A policeman was also injured after the terrorists, who were hiding in a Kashmir-bound truck, opened fire on the forces during a security check at the Ban toll plaza, around 25 km from Jammu, officials added.
“Four to five terrorists were believed to be in the truck. One terrorist was killed on the spot and two others were neutralised in the adjoining forest area,” Jammu and Kashmir director general of police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said. He added that they have arrested the truck’s driver, whom he identified as Samir Dar, a resident of Pulwama, and two cleaners for questioning.
The DGP said the terrorists might have infiltrated through the International Border in Kathua district. “It is suspected that they might have infiltrated from Dayalachak area of Hira- nagar sector in Kathua district on Thursday evening.” However, the Border Security Force’s (BSF) Jammu frontier inspector general, NS Jamwal, said that “no infiltration has been detected so far from Dayalachak area”. The DGP said six weapons, including a sniper gun, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the slain terrorists. “It seems the terrorists planned to hand over the weapons and ammunition to militants in Kashmir, who have been facing a shortage of arms these days,” said the DGP.
A spokesperson of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said vehicular movement on the highway has been suspended and the adjoining forest area has been cordoned off till completion of combing operations. All schools and colleges have been closed in Udhampur district as a precautionary measure, officials added.