Kakriyal Encounter: 3 militants killed, 8 security men sustain injuries

Kakriyal (Jammu): Three militants were on Thursday killed and over 8 security personnel including a police officer injured in an encounter in Kakriyal forest area in Jammu province.
As reported already a joint search operation was on Wednesday launched to track down the suspected militants, who managed to flee after opening fire at a naka party at Jajjar Kotli area of Jammu, continued for the second day Thursday .
Police had intercepted a truck at a check post and during the search one suspected militant opened fire before escaping into the nearby forest area.
Whole forest area was cordoned off and on Thursday while contact with militants was established resulting into an encounter. Reports said two militants were killed in massive exchange of fire. During the exchange of fire, at least 7 forces personnel and a police officer were wounded. The injured were identified as Harshpal Singh, Pancham Singh, Abhey Singh, Manoj Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Selection Grade Constable Muhammad Iqbla and Banu Pratap Singh.
Police stated that on Wednesday at about 08:05 hours during checking by flying squad at Domail, Police Party signaled a truck bearing No.JK03-1476 which was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar to stop. In the meantime, 03 militants who were boarding the said truck opened fire.
Police spokesperson said that one person received bullet injury and the militants managed to escape in the forest area of Jhajjar Kotli.
“Truck was seized and driver and helper were arrested. One AK-56, loaded magazines, one Chinese Pistol, and other incriminating material was recovered from the site,” the spokesman said.
“To track the militants massive Cordon and Search Operations were launched by Police, CRPF, and Army in the villages near Katra. The security components of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine were also alerted. A lookout notice was issued through social and mass media,” he added.
“Three SSP’s of Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Addl. SP Katra and SDPO Nagrota rushed to the spot after receiving information. DIG Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti commanded the operations along with Army and CRPF, IGP Jammu Dr S.D Singh Jamwal who was at Delhi for a meeting rushed back and joined the operations,” the spokesman said.
“The vast area was kept under tight cordon during the night and with day break, contact was established after terrorists were tracked at Kakrayal. The exchange of fire continued till 5 pm this evening. In this encounter, all the three terrorists were neutralized. SDPO Nagrota two officers of CRPF and some police and security force men were injured,” he said.
“It seems a case of fresh infiltration of yesterday morning from Pakistan most likely from Hiranagar belt of International Border. These militants had come from Pakistan to disturb the peace and cause violence against the people of the state,” the spokesman added.
“Preliminary investigation points that the militants belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad. Bodies of all the three militants have been recovered. Arms and ammunition have also been recovered from the slain militants,” he said. (CNS)