An exchange of gunfire between terrorists and security personnel was seen in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua district last night and left the locals in the area stunned. Although eyewitnesses described scenes of horror moments when terrorists opened heavy firing along the international border during the ongoing search operation, the officials are still to search for the missing husband.
Eyewitness Recalls a Horror Escape
Anita Devi, a 48-year-old woman from Sanyal village, escaped the terrorists miraculously along with her husband who was held hostage at gunpoint. Anita and her husband were in a nursery near the border when they were ambushed. Describing the ghastly incident, Anita told the media.
“Terrorists abducted my husband and also told me to continue. But my husband gave a signal to escape, and I began running. One of the terrorists attempted to grab me, but I began shouting, and this attracted the attention of two other individuals who were cutting the lawn in the area,” Anita said to PTI.
Her screams for help had woken up other villagers, and it was not easy for the terrorists to carry on with their operation. Her husband was still in danger until security forces moved forward to carry out an operation within the village compound.
Gunfight Erupts: 250 Rounds of Sustained Fire Exchanged
As soon as the security forces encircled the village, the mayhem erupted in minutes. The fear spread at the whole village, district development counsellor Karan Kumar did affidavits on oath, with the firing trembling the region.
“There was a climate of fear inside and outside the village because terrorists were occupying it. We were firing approximately 250 continuous rounds,” Kumar said.
The operation was initiated on the strength of intelligence reports that three or five terrorists had infiltrated the area and had been given shelter in a dhok, i.e., a small camp, at the Sanyal village nursery, five kilometers inside the Pak border.
No sooner had the police Special Operations Group (SOG) launched their search operation than they were welcomed with intense firing, which led to a stiff battle between the two sides.
Massive Search Operation On
The terrorists are also being interrogated by security agents as to how they managed to enter. The government thinks that they may have taken the route of a trail of a ravine or a new tunnel to enter the country.
Reinforcements were then sent to the area immediately after the gunfire exchange. The security forces mounted an intensified search to apprehend the remaining terrorists.
Security personnel have also requested the villagers to remain vigilant and report if they recognize any suspicious person so that appropriate arrangements could be made for securing the region. Since the record has also witnessed attempts of border crossing, security personnel are in full gear and are making all possible efforts to discourage such incidents in the future.
Security Challenges in Border Regions
The Kathua encounter is merely one of the numerous reminders of the continuous security issues in Jammu & Kashmir border regions. The region has seen constant efforts at infiltration, and hence security forces have had to remain firmly entrenched.
Though the prompt response of the security guards averted a greater disaster at Sanyal village, the attack underlines the ongoing susceptibility to which civilians are being left in such conflict zones. The exhibition of gallantry on the part of workers such as Anita Devi and the prompt action of the military played a key role in averting the crisis.
Even as the search continues, the government is making efforts to keep the citizens secure without making an allowance for other attempts at intrusion.
A passionate writer, Niharika wants to create an impact as she believes that Journalism is not just a profession, but a passion to follow and live in. With a keen eye for storytelling and a commitment to impactful writing. she strives to inform, engage, and inspire through the pieces that she crafts. Niharika has covered the 38th National Games, getting to know the lives of athletes and players closely. When not writing she is listening to music, or browsing through social media for more meaningful topics to cover.
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