A fresh encounter has erupted in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir as security forces engage with terrorists hiding in the region’s forests. The police launched a search operation late Wednesday evening after receiving specific intelligence on the terrorists’ location.
The operation, targeting the Gondoh area’s Kirlu top forests, quickly escalated into a confrontation. The District Police of Doda reported the initiation of the operation via a social media post, revealing that contact was made with the terrorists, which led to an exchange of fire.
Initial Clash and Injured Constable
The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) was at the forefront of the search operation. During the initial exchange of gunfire, Constable Fareed of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was injured. He was immediately evacuated and shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The police shared this information on their social media account at 10 pm, emphasizing that the operation in the area is still ongoing.
Release of Terrorist Sketches and Cash Reward
In a significant development an hour later, the police released sketches of four terrorists believed to be involved in the encounter and other terror-related activities. These terrorists are reported to be roaming the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, Thathri, and Gandoh—all within the Doda district. To facilitate their capture, the police have announced a cash reward of Rs 500,000 for any information leading to the arrest of each terrorist.
Escalating Terror Activities in the Region
This encounter is the latest in a series of terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the fourth attack since Sunday. Just the night before, terrorists targeted a joint check post operated by the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and the police on the Bhadarwah-Pathankot road. This attack resulted in injuries to three security personnel.
Overall, the region has seen a spike in violence, with one CRPF personnel killed and seven security personnel injured across four separate incidents over a few days. The increase in terrorist activities has put the security forces on high alert, prompting intensified search and combing operations throughout the region.
Authorities’ Response and Public Cooperation
The police and security forces are urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate by providing any information that might assist in capturing the terrorists. The cash reward is part of a broader strategy to involve the community in the fight against terrorism by incentivizing the reporting of suspicious activities and movements.
The ongoing encounter in the Doda district is a critical operation aimed at neutralizing the terrorist threat and restoring peace and stability to the region. The authorities remain committed to counter-terrorism efforts and ensuring the safety of civilians.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, the police and security forces continue their intensive search operations in the forests of the Doda district. The release of terrorist sketches and the announcement of cash rewards highlight the serious approach of the authorities in dealing with the terrorist threat. The community’s role is now more crucial than ever in aiding the security forces to successfully conclude the operation and bring the perpetrators to justice.