A gun battle broke out between terrorists and security forces at Haddal Gal in Cherji area in the mountains of Kishtwar district this evening and there were reports that three to four terrorists including couple of commanders might be hiding in the forested belt.
The brief gunfight occurred when the police, assisted by the Army and paramilitary forces, launched a cordon and search operation in Haddal Gal near Khankoo forest in Cherji area located between Dachhan and Nagseni following information about suspected movement of terrorists.
They further noted that the hiding terrorists opened fire upon spotting the search parties, who retaliated.
The exchange of fire continued for some time, but there have been no reports of any casualties, the officials said, adding that reinforcements have been rushed to the area.
Search operations are underway to track down and neutralize the terrorists.
Security forces have strengthened cordon as there were reports that there was presence of three to four terrorists in the area including two suspected commanders, one of whom has been operating in the area for quite a long time now.
However, there was no official confirmation about presence of the terrorist commanders in the area. Initial round of gunfight lasted briefly and thereafter no exchange of firing has been reported between security forces and terrorists in the forests.
Reports said the search operation was halted around 8.30 PM and will be resumed in early hours of tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, cordon has been strengthened in the area to ensure that the terrorists don’t manage to escape.
Worthwhile to mention here that a Hizbul Mujahideen commander had earlier operated in Cherji area and it is being suspected that he may have been present in the mountainous belt.
Security forces are taking no chance and have strengthened the cordon by sending reinforcement of security personnel towards Cherji area, which is nearly 35 to 40 kilometers from Kishtwar.
During past few months, a series of encounters have taken place between security forces and terrorists in the upper reaches of Kishtwar and Basantgarh in Udhampur districts.
Few days back, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat had disclosed that Haider, a top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit was killed in Basantgarh recently. Daily Excelsior
