Two encounters and a grenade attack have been reported from across Jammu and Kashmir since Saturday morning. Security forces have launched joint operations against terrorists in Ramban, Doda and Ganderbal areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The first encounter, which is still underway, happened in Batote in Ramban district, where two suspected terrorists tried to stop a civil vehicle early today morning on NH244. The alert driver, however, did not stop the vehicle and informed Army QRT (Quick Response Team). The security forces reacted quickly and are conducting an operation in the area.
“Exchange of fire took place. The operation is still on. The suspected ultras are hiding in a nullah but they have been cordoned. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the place,” Defence spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Meanwhile, at least three terrorists have entered a home in the Batote area and taken a man hostage. Exchange of fire between the militants and officials is underway.
“Three people in civil dress and guns in hands went to a neighbouring house, all the members of their families came out, their father is held in the house. Army personnel just rescued us. Firing is underway,” a local told new agency ANI.
In another encounter, one terrorist has been reportedly killed in Ganderbal. Weapon and warlike stores have been recovered and a joint operation is in progress, Northern Command of the Indian Army informed.
#IndianArmy#OpTrunkhal(Ganderbal). One terrorist killed. Weapon & warlike stores recovered. Joint operation in progress.@adgpi@PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD @crpfindia @JmuKmrPolice
— NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) September 28, 2019
The third incident was reported from downtown Srinagar, where terrorists threw a grenade on CRPF troops earlier in the day. No one was injured in the attack.
The attacks come as the Army has informed that about 500 infiltrators were waiting to infiltrate into India.
National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, on Thursday asked the troops to be on high alert in view of the reports that Pakistan sponsored terror outfits may carry out some demonstrative and sensational acts of terror.
Concluding his two days tour of Kashmir, Doval stressed that the security of vital installations must be ensured and all arrangements regarding strict vigilance and keeping the troops on alert be made a priority.
It was the second visit of National Security Advisor to the Kashmir Valley after 5 August when Article 370 was abrogated.
Post the revocation of Article 370, militants have been resorting to civilian killings and threats to instil fear among the people so that the return of normalcy is prevented in the valley.
On September 9, Jammu and Kashmir Police along with the Army and other security forces including the Central Reserve Police Force had arrested eight militants from the Sopore region after busting a terror module of the LeT.
The arrests came a week after NSA Ajit Doval had said that more than 200 terrorists were trying to cross into India from Pakistan and Islamabad was trying to stoke violence in the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army and intelligence sources, quoting the confessions of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists captured recently in Jammu and Kashmir, have also said that around 300 trained militants are prepared to enter Indian territory from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, restrictions have been removed from all 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Saturday’s attacks come a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan raised Kashmir issue at the 74th session of UN General Assembly on Friday.