A new encounter was averted on Tuesday after security forces in Jammu and Kashmir initiated a large scale anti-terror operation in the Billawar area of Kathua district after terrorists opened fire on a patrolling team. Experts initiated the operation on the basis of certain intelligence reports concerning the existence of terrorists in the area, according to the authorities.
Security experts claim that the fire started trading off when terrorists who are suspected to be linked with the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) attacked security officers during a cordon and search operation. The troops then responded by opening fire on the territory and a gun battle ensued. Military reinforcements were immediately deployed to the location and the whole area was put on high alert to ensure that the terrorists did not escape.
The officials indicated that the cordon and search operation was going on when the terrorists who were hiding in the territory opened fire indiscriminately to break the security ring. The scenario deteriorated into a battle, with the firing going off sporadically as the units kept enclosing the militants in the noose. There was a precautionary measure to keep the civilians indoors due to the threat in the nearby areas.
Increased security activity has been experienced in the Billawar region in the recent history due to increased vigilance along the Jammu region after various attempts by the terrorist groups to penetrate and execute attacks. The security agencies have stepped up to a higher level of surveillance and have also carried out specific operations to counter the threats of terrorists and eliminate their support systems.
The top military leaders are more than vigilant on the ground and more units have been sent to make sure the operation is carried out efficiently and safely. The neighboring forested and hilly area is also being searched, as the location can be deemed difficult because of vegetated bushes and small paths.
There are no reported casualties as yet and more information is awaited as the encounter goes on. Governments have once again said that they would uphold peace and security within the region and they would respond ruthlessly to anyone who tried to undermine law and order.
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