J&K’s Doda rocked by 2nd terror attack in 2 days, sketches of suspects released

In a series of escalating terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists opened fire on a security patrol party in Doda district on Wednesday evening, injuring a policeman.

This marks the fourth terror attack in the region in three days. The gunfight erupted around 7:40 pm in the densely forested Kota Top area of Bhalesa village, officials said. As of latest reports, the encounter was ongoing, with reinforcements deployed to strengthen the search and cordon operations to flush out the terrorists.

The incident comes on the heels of a string of terror attacks that have rattled Jammu and Kashmir this week.

According to a statement by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, terrorists fired at a search party in the densely forested Kota top area of Bhalesa, leading to a gunbattle with security forces. Constable Fareed Ahmed sustained injuries during the encounter. He was hospitalised and undergoing treatment.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of four terrorists involved in two attacks in Doda district and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to their arrest. A cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information about each of the terrorists has also been announced.

On Tuesday evening, five troopers of Rashtriya Rifles and a special police officer (SPO) were injured when terrorists launched an attack on a joint checkpost in the upper reaches of Chattergalla in Doda. The Kashmir Tigers, a terror outfit with links to the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The recent attacks point to a renewed surge in terror activity in Jammu. Just two days prior to the Doda encounter, a suspected Pakistani terrorist was killed in an overnight gunfight with security forces in Kathua district. Another terrorist involved in the same incident was gunned down on Wednesday morning. However, a paramilitary soldier died during the operation.

The most devastating attack in this series of terror-related incidents occurred on June 9, when terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district, sending it plummeting into a gorge. Ten passengers were killed and 41 others were injured. A sketch of a terrorist involved in the attack was released on Tuesday, with a Rs 20 lakh reward for information about him.