Udhampur, 16 December (H.S.): Two more Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel sustained injuries during the encounter between terrorists and security forces in Udhampur district Monday last evening.

Official sources said that during the gunfight, two additional SOG jawans were injured, while the terrorists are also believed to have suffered injuries. Earlier, one SOG jawan was martyred in the encounter after succumbing to critical injuries.

The encounter broke out after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The operation escalated when terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Sources said that the firing has now stopped, however, the entire area has been placed under a tight security cordon. All possible escape routes have been sealed to ensure the holed-up terrorists are neutralised.

“Joint team of Special Operations Group (SOG) of police along with Army and CRPF are on job,” they said.

In a post, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti said “a very small SOG team engaged the terrorists! Combing of the forest has been impeded due to darkness and treacherous terrain.”

The officials said the encounter took place in the besieged village around 6 pm and continued for some time, resulting in injuries to one SOG jawan who later succumbed to injuries.

One terrorist was also believed injured in the initial gunfight, they said, adding the operation was suspended for the night, and will be resumed with the first light of the day on Tuesday.

Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and neutralize the terrorists, the officials said.

Reinforcements remain deployed in the area and search operations are continuing. Further details are awaited.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar