NEW DELHI, July 22: The security forces have launched a massive anti-terror operation following information that a group of around 40 to 50 Pakistani terrorists are reportedly hiding in the upper reaches of the hilly districts of Jammu region.
Official sources said on Monday that these terrorists, who have managed to infiltrate the region, were highly trained and equipped with some of the most modern and sophisticated weapons, including American-made M4 Carbine Rifles fitted with night vision devices, sources said. Additionally, these terrorists possess Chinese steel-coated bullets capable of penetrating bullet-proof vehicles, they added. They are also experts in mountain and jungle warfare, operating in small, scattered groups across different areas.
In response to the intelligence inputs, the army troops have launched a cordon and search operation to track and hunt down the terrorists. Additionally, a tunnel detection exercise is currently underway along the India-Pakistan international border in Samba, and there is a crackdown on Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of terrorists.
Earlier in the day, the security forces thwarted a terror attack on a security post and house of a village defence guard (VDG) in Jammu’s Rajouri district. A terrorist was killed, while a jawan and a civilian suffered injuries during the attack. “Terrorists attacked the house of a VDC (member) at Gunda, Rajouri at 03.10 hours. A nearby Army column reacted and a firefight ensued,” White Knight Corps said on X.
According to officials, the terrorists fired on the house of the VDG and ex-serviceman Parshottam Kumar, who is also a Shourya Chakra awardee, in Gunda area of Khawas tehsil. The security personnel retaliated after the terrorists threw a grenade, following which they attacked a newly established Army picket in the area around 4 am, resulting in fire exchange, they said.
Since the start of the year, 14 terror attacks have taken place in six districts in the Jammu region which have resulted in the deaths of 27 people, including 11 security personnel, a village defence guard, and five terrorists.
(Manas Dasgupta)
