SRINAGAR: Security forces on Thursday averted a major tragedy, possibly a fidayeen attack, in Kashmir by eliminating four suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists from whom they recovered the biggest arms haul in the recent times.
The four terrorists were hiding in a Srinagar-bound truck which was intercepted on Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Ban Toll Plaza, Nagrota at about 5 am. Inspector General, Jammu, Mukesh Singh said that the truck driver hesitated when signalled to stop and fled from the spot. Security personnel came under fire from the terrorists hiding in the truck leading to a three-hour long gunfight, he added.
Two policemen, who were injured in the gunfight, were evacuated to the Government Medical College in Jammu. Additional parties of police, CRPF and Army were rushed to the spot to take on the terrorists, who were armed with automatic weapons and grenades. During the gunfight, the truck caught fire and all the four terrorists were gunned down.
“Eleven AK-47 rifles, three pistols, 29 grenades, six UBGL grenades, satellite and mobile phones, compass, pouches, other ammunition and medicines with Pakistani markings were among the recoveries made at the encounter site.” Singh said the identity of slain terrorists was being ascertained. “However, it is being suspected that they belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad.” The slain terrorists, he said, were on the way to Kashmir and had very big plans.
“They had infiltrated to carry out a major attack and were moving from Jammu to Kashmir.” “Each terrorist was carrying three assault rifles, a pistol and grenades. It is the first such instance in recent years when militants were carrying such a large number of arms and ammunition.” A manhunt has been launched to track down the absconding driver, the IG added.
Medicines with Pakistani marking were recovered indicating Pakistani origin of the terrorists. “The quantity of weapons and type of medicines also indicate fresh infiltration and they being suicide attackers,” the police said.
India slams Pak for ceasefire violations
India slammed Pakistan for ceasefire violations and infiltrations, saying that Islamabad continues to engage in providing supporting cover fire to infiltrators. “The incessant infiltration of terrorists and induction of weapons to fuel terror activities continues unabated. Such activities are not possible without the support of Pakistani forces,” the MEA said.