• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Kathua Attack:  Two days after killing nine and injuring 41 in a brutal attack on a civilian bus in Reasi, terrorists on Tuesday opened fire on civilians in the Hiranagar block of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. According to initial reports, gunshots were heard by villagers of Saida village of Kootah panchayat, after which officials were informed about the incident. Initial inputs suggested that the attack took place when some terrorists entered a house and opened fire on the occupants. Security forces have cordoned off the area and an encounter has erupted.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has posted on X that one of the suspects has been killed by the security forces so far and a search operation has been launched.

"I am in continuous online contact with DC Kathua Sh Rakesh Minhas in the wake of the terrorist attack on a house in village Saida in Hiranagar sector close to the International Border. I am also in touch with SSP Kathua Sh Anayat Ali Choudhary who is on the spot," he wrote.

ALSO READ: Who Is Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP's Keonjhar MLA, Elected As New Odisha Chief Minister

"The owner of the house that was attacked (name not to be disclosed) is also in touch on the mobile phone. Joint police & para military operation is going on. One terrorist neutralised so far. I and my office are in constant touch and keeping a close watch on the developments," the minister added in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

A total of eight terrorists were likely present in the area, Dainik Jagran reported, citing the locals as sources. It further said that as many as 13 civilians are feared trapped in a local Buadati Devasthan shrine near the spot of the encounter.

Meanwhile, the village headman of Surada, Jasbir Singh said that in nearby Sukhal village, as many as seven to eight terrorists are present in the area and one civilian has been killed.

ALSO READ: CCTV: Bengal Policeman Single-Handedly Survives Gunfight With 7 Robbers, Foils Rs 4 Crore Robbery

"In village Sukhal militants are present and they are firing. We have also received info that they have kidnapped someone, but we don't have the full info right now. SHO and the police team are present at the spot...As of now, we have heard that there are seven militants and one person has been killed by them, but this info is yet to be confirmed..." he said.