Searches continue for ultras
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 6: Security forces continued searches for the militants at Gunda Khwas and surrounding areas in Koteranka belt of Budhal in the border district of Rajouri for second consecutive day today even as body of the slain militant, who was eliminated by the troops yesterday, was recovered this morning.
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Teams of Army, CRPF, SOG and Police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, two pistols with magazines, four hand grenades, one bag, Pakistan-made clothes and medicines and some other items from the possession of slain militant.
Identity of the militant hasn’t been established so far but recovery of Pakistan-made items from his possession indicated that he could be a foreign terrorist.
There were reports that there could be one more militant with him. However, there has been no further contact between security forces and militants after yesterday’s encounter when one of the militants was killed.
Security personnel didn’t suffer any casualties in the operation.
Addressing a press conference in Rajouri this afternoon, Additional DGP Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh accompanied by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Romeo Force Major General Mohit Trivedi and DIG Rajouri-Poonch range Dr Haseeb Mughal said about three groups of militants, each comprising two to three ultras, are operating in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
He said security forces are determined to wipe out terrorism from the region.
Singh also said security agencies are making twice the effort to thwart the attempts to push militants from across the border.
“Two or three groups of militants are believed to be present in the (Pir Panjal) region. Each group comprises two to three militants but divulging their exact number is difficult,” he said.
“Some terrorists were noticed in the Gundah-Khawas village of Budhal and, accordingly, a police party rushed to the village, besides informing the Army. When a cordon-and-search operation was launched, the terrorists opened fire, which was retaliated by the joint troops of the police, Army and the CRPF, resulting in the killing of a terrorist,” Singh said.
He added the slain terrorist is believed to be from Pakistan and that it was evident from the material, including medicines and shoes, recovered from him.
“One more terrorist is present in the village and an encounter is on,” he said, adding the seizure from the encounter scene, including raincoats and food items, indicated that they were trained to survive in jungle conditions.
He referred to the killing of six terrorists in recent encounters, including four in the Surankote area of Poonch on July 18, and said attempts to disturb the peaceful atmosphere by pushing terrorists into the Indian side is going on unabated from across the border.
“We are making double efforts to thwart their attempts and wipe out terrorism from the region,” Singh said.
Asked about the plan of the terrorists, he said it is a matter of investigation. “A thorough investigation and analysis will be carried out after the encounter.”
On the possible involvement of the slain terrorist in the Dhangri attack where seven civilians were killed in January, the officer said, “It is also part of the investigation. We will call the eyewitnesses for identification of the slain terrorist.”
Singh said strict action is being taken against Over Ground Workers of the terror groups. “Several of them have already been booked under the Public Safety Act while we are also keeping a constant vigil on suspected persons.”
He added, “Action will be taken against any Over Ground Worker whose linkage will be established during the investigation of the latest encounter”.
Major General Trivedi credited the success against the terrorists to the synergy among the Army, police and other sister agencies and the cooperation of the people.
“The operations against terrorists will continue to ensure they do not get a foothold. The terrorists were feeling that they will operate with ease but we have cornered them,” he said, adding anyone having any ill will against the region or the country will be dealt with sternly.
The Army officer said the induction of homemade new firearms and night-vision devices have improved the capability of the forces and “we promise to ensure a peaceful atmosphere”.
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