Terrorist killed in Chhatroo encounter, operation in progress: DIG Shridhar Patil

Jammu, Apr 11: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) range Shridhar Patil Friday said that one terrorist was eliminated in an intense fire-fight that broke out when fresh contact with the holed-up terrorists was established in a dense Chhatroo forest stretch.

“Search operation for the rest of the terrorists is going on. Further details we will share as they come before us,” DIG Patil said, while responding to Greater Kashmir queries.

PRO Defence Lt Col Suneel Bartwal too responded almost on similar lines, when Greater Kashmir contacted on this account. “So far, one terrorist has been confirmed killed. Operation is still in progress,” was his precise reply.

Earlier a few agencies, quoting an anonymous senior police official, late Friday evening reported that three terrorists, including a top commander, were killed in the Chhatroo encounter.

Brigadier JVS Rathi, Commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles and DIG Patil are scheduled to make a briefing to press tomorrow at 11.15 am at Headquarters 5, Sector Assam Rifles, Kishtwar on “Operation Chhatroo.”

Yet another senior Police Officer told Greater Kashmir, “Except one, we have not recovered any other body so far so we cannot make further confirmation.”

Earlier officials said that security forces effectively engaged the terrorists during a joint “search and destroy” operation of Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) despite treacherous terrain and inclement weather conditions.

Night-long strict cordons and searches were continuing in the Naidam and Chatroo area in Kishtwar where a brief exchange of fire had taken place on Wednesday during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO).

“Based on specific intelligence, a joint search and destroy operation along with JKP was launched on April 9 in Chhatru forest Kishtwar. Contact was established late evening on the same day. The terrorists were effectively engaged and firefight ensued. One terrorist has thus far been neutralised,” White Knight Corps of the Indian Army posted on ‘X’.

“Despite hostile terrain and adverse weather, relentless operations by our brave soldiers continues,” it said.

Meanwhile, intensive “Search and Destroy Operation” also continued in Jopher village of Ramnagar in Udhampur where presumably two to three terrorists were believed to be trapped. They had exchanged fire with the security forces on April 9.