By IANS,
Jammu : A soldier was killed in a gunbattle that ensued between security forces and militants in Chinore on the outskirts of this winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday after the terrorists killed two civilians.
Police said the three terrorists had crossed into Jammu and Kashmir from the Kanachak sector of the international border Tuesday morning.
“One junior commissioned officer (JCO) and tow civilians have been killed and at least five others, including two soldiers, have been injured,” a police officer told IANS.
The terrorists were traced to the police check post of Chinore, about 20 km north of Jammu, late Tuesday.
Police said the militants, dressed in police uniforms and carrying AK-47 assault rifles, entered a house in Chinore and have been hiding there. On their way to the house, they shot dead Shabit Hussain – a milkman and the driver of the autorickshaw they were travelling in.
Police and army personnel had cordoned off the area and were engaged in a gunbattle with the militants. One army soldier was injured in the exchange of fire and later succumbed to his injuries.
“A high alert has been sounded in Jammu due to the infiltration by three terrorists from across the international border,” Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) K. Rajendra said.
The Border Security Force (BSF), along with police and army personnel, had launched a massive manhunt for the militants, who had entered the Indian territory at Kanachak, about 20 km north of here, after cutting the barbed wire fence.
“This is a serious situation. The intruders sneaked into the Indian side under the cover of fire, which was most probably provided by the Pakistani Rangers,” a BSF official said.
The exchange of fire had lasted for nearly two hours until 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Security agencies are worried in view of the situation in Jammu.
People here have been holding rallies demanding the return of 40 hectares of government land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). They plan a huge rally Wednesday at the Parade ground which can accommodate tens of thousands to give a momentum to their agitation, already in the 57th day Tuesday.