The revelation comes as authorities intensify efforts to combat cross-border infiltration and eliminate the threat of terrorism, promising to ensure peace and security in the region.
In a significant revelation, a senior police officer disclosed the existence of about three groups of terrorists, each consisting of two to three ultras, operating in the Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The security forces have pledged their determination to eradicate terrorism from the region, intensifying efforts to thwart cross-border infiltration attempts.
Addressing the media in Rajouri, Additional Director General of Police, Mukesh Singh, accompanied by the Army's Romeo Force Major General Mohit Trivedi, shared crucial insights about the terrorist presence in the Pir Panjal region. Singh stated that the exact number of terrorists in each group remains difficult to ascertain, but security agencies are actively monitoring their activities, according to PTI.
The disclosure came to light amidst an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists that commenced on Saturday. During the encounter, a suspected Pakistani terrorist in combat attire was neutralized, and a significant haul of arms and ammunition, including an AK assault rifle and two pistols, was seized.
According to Singh, the operation was initiated after terrorists were spotted in Gundah-Khawas village, Budhal. A joint cordon-and-search operation was carried out by the police, Army, and CRPF, resulting in the elimination of one terrorist. Singh asserted that another terrorist remains holed up in the village, and the encounter continues.
The seized items, such as raincoats and food provisions, indicated the terrorists' preparedness to survive in jungle conditions, reflecting their well-organized training.
Highlighting recent successes in combating terrorism, Singh referred to the elimination of six terrorists in previous encounters, notably four in Surankote, Poonch, on July 18. He stressed that the attempts to disturb the region's peaceful atmosphere by infiltrating terrorists from across the border persist unabated.
Regarding the slain terrorist's potential involvement in the Dhangri attack, where seven civilians lost their lives in January, Singh stated that the investigation would explore this aspect. He further emphasized the strict action being taken against overground workers associated with terror groups.
Major General Trivedi credited the joint efforts of the Army, police, and sister agencies, along with the cooperation of the public, for the successful outcomes against terrorists. He reassured that operations against terrorists would continue to ensure they have no foothold in the region. He highlighted the improvement in forces' capabilities with the induction of homemade firearms and night-vision devices.