Jammu/Nagpur: Militants in Jammu and Kashmir launched a second attack on security forces in as many days, targeting an Army camp in Samba district early on Saturday. Here are the live updates:
This year we have neutralised 24 to 26 terrorists until now, with only one casualty on our side. Exchange of fire is also low on the Line of Control – Parrikar
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has informed that as of now, two militants have been neutralized in Samba. Search operation is still on to ensure there are no more militants hiding in the area, Parrikar added.
News agency ANI has quoted Army sources as saying that one militant has been shot dead in the ongoing Samba gunbattle. Meanwhile, search is underway for the second one.
News agency IANS has quoted an unnamed police officer as saying that apart from a civilian, who was on his way to the Mata Vaishnoo Devi shrine in Katra town of Reasi district, two Army soldiers have also sustained minor injuries in today’s attack.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh says all necessary actions are being followed with regard to the militant attack on the Army camp in Samba. “We are in touch with the concerned authorities in the state. We have got a call from the Deputy Chief Minister and we have also received information from the intelligence. The necessary actions that are required are being taken,” Rajnath said.
I’ll get the information and let you know, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar tells reporters on terror attacks in J&K.
As PM said we are committed to follow zero tolerance to terrorism policy, says MoS PMO Jitendra Singh.
No contact has been established as of now with the militants, we have zeroed in on a specific area. Let us be patient, says IG Danesh Rana.
Lt Col Manish Mehta, PRO (Defence), has told reporters that no one has been injured in today’s attack. “No one has been injured, neither any civilian nor soldier. The terrorists weren’t trying to enter any unit; they only fired from outside,” Lt Col Mehta said. He added that two militants are suspected to be involved in the attack and both of them have been cordoned outside the Army camp.
Movement of militants is not confirmed, combing operation in underway, says J&K Deputy CM Nirmal Singh. “Firing is going on, let’s wait for the reports. Our forces were on high alert since yesterday,” Singh added.
Security of the Mata Vaishno Delhi yatra has also been tightened in view of the attacks in Jammu region.
Schools and colleges have been ordered shut in the Samba sector.
Militants in Jammu and Kashmir launched a second attack on security forces in as many days, targeting an Army camp in Samba district early on Saturday.
Police said militants early this morning attacked the camp of the 82 armoured regiment in Samba district, on Jammu-Pathankot Highway, using grenades and automatic gunfire.
Entire area was cordoned off by the Army and police following the attack and firing exchanges are going on.
Jammu-Pathankot Highway has been closed for vehicular traffic as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Police believe at least two militants are involved in the attack.
Reinforcements have also been rushed to the Army camp as the gunbattle is on.
A pilgrim bound for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu was critically injured in today’s attack. He was rushed to the Samba district hospital where doctors referred him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu for specialised treatment.
Just yesterday, six people including two militants were killed in a similar attack on the Rajbagh police station in Kathua district.
Intelligence reports had indicated that four militants were involved in Friday’s attack, but only two had been killed.
Intelligence sources said that they believe the Saturday’s attack is being carried out by the two guerrillas who survived in yesterday’s attack after escaping from the spot.
