Police HC killed, Dy SP-ASI critically wounded in ongoing Kathua encounter

Jammu : A police Head Constable was killed while as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and Assistant Sub Inspector among other were injured after a fierce gunfight broke out between security forces and Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua on Saturday.
Officials said Head Constable Bashir Ahmad was killed while DySP (Operations), ASI sustained bullet injuries after the security forces engaged three to four Jaish militants in Kathua’s Bilawar area.
As per officials, the encounter broke out at Kog-Mandli village in Billawar tehsil around 5.30 pm when security forces launched a joint cordon and search operation following information about the presence of a group of militants inside a house.
They said the firing initially lasted for a brief period but later resumed with both sides exchanging heavy gunfire.
The official said the area has been put under a tight cordon with the induction of the reinforcements from adjoining security camps.
The firing was going on when last reports were received and so far a policeman was injured, the officials said.
The fresh fire-fight occurred amid intense political favor with several high-profile politicians including Union Minister and Chief Minister’s of several states visiting every nook and corner of poll bound areas including Kathua districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed an election rally in Jammu this afternoon and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi scheduled to address a rally in Billwar, which was cancelled