Encounter begins in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda hours after attack on Army outpost

A fresh encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Wednesday evening, hours after six officials, including 5 jawans, were injured when militants attacked a checkpost in the region, sources told India Today TV.

Five troopers of Rashtriya Rifles and a special police officer (SPO) were injured when terrorists attacked a joint checkpost in the upper reaches of Chattergalla on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot road late on Tuesday night.

Following the attack, traffic movement on the highway was suspended as an operation is underway to track down the terrorists.

The recent encounter is taking place in Gandoh Bhalessa town in Doda district. Additional troops have been rushed to the encounter site.

Soon after terrorists opened fire at the checkpost in the Chattergalla area late on Tuesday night, a fierce gun fight took place which continued for several hours, officials said.

Officials also said that the five Rashtriya Rifles personnel and an SPO, injured in the gunfight, were taken to a nearby hospital. Additional security personnel were rushed to the area to intensify the operation against the terrorists, they said.

According to the officials, traffic movement has been completely suspended on the busy Bhadarwah-Pathankot interstate highway in view of the ongoing search and cordon operation in Chattergalla, Guldandi, Sarthal, Shankh Pader and Kailash mountain range.

Without naming Pakistan, ADGP Anand Jain told news agency PTI that the ‘hostile’ neighbour is always making attempts to disturb peace in the Jammu region.

Meanwhile, authorities also launched a search and cordon operation in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector in Rajouri district following suspicious movement of two persons.

Security forces have been put on high alert following intelligence reports about possible attempts by terrorists to carry out an attack, especially in Poonch and Rajouri districts.