In a somber development, a member of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost their life during a tense encounter with militants on Wednesday in Kathua’s Kootah area. This unfortunate incident unfolded merely a day after security forces neutralized a militant in a clash following a terror incident in Saida village.
According to police sources, the encounter ensued as law enforcement, and paramilitary units launched a search operation to apprehend militants who had fled the scene after their associate’s demise. Tragically, militants concealed in the forest ambushed the search party, resulting in the fatal casualty of a CRPF personnel.
The precise number of militants at large remains uncertain, with conflicting reports circulating. Nevertheless, authorities have sealed off the area and intensified search efforts.
Reacting to the tragedy, Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chief minister and chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, expressed profound sorrow over the recent spate of terror attacks in Kathua, Doda, and the martyrdom of a CRPF Jawan in Hiranagar. Urging swift and decisive action to stem the tide of terror, Azad called on the government to prioritize counter-terrorism measures and ensure the safety of all citizens.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, militants launched an assault on a joint checkpoint in Doda district on Tuesday night, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including five soldiers. This marked the third terror incident in the otherwise tranquil Jammu province since Sunday evening. The preceding terror strike, occurring on Sunday, claimed nine lives, including seven pilgrims, and left 38 others wounded, after assailants targeted a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district.
