'Chitta' recovered from terrorists killed in Kathua

Packets of ‘chitta’ (narcotic powder) have been recovered from the two terrorists who were killed by security forces during an encounter last month.

The Kathua police on Wednesday displayed the arms and ammunition recovered from the Pakistani terrorists at the Rajbagh police station in Kathua where Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shobhit Saxena informed that the recoveries included powerful explosives that might have been used in a major attack.

“We have received narcotics, including 'chitta', and also Naswar from the slain ultras. We believe these were for their own consumption” said the SSP.

Multiple encounters took place in Kathua district last month when the security forces were able to track the movement of a freshly infiltrated group of ultras. On March 23, a gunfight erupted at Sanyal village, Hiranagar. A second encounter took place in the Ghati Juthana area on March 27, where four policemen lost their lives and two terrorists were neutralised. During the third encounter in Panjtirthi, Kathua, on March 31, the remaining ultras managed to escape. 

The SSP said at last three terrorists were able to escape from the last encounter site, but their locations had been traced and they would be eliminated in coming days. “We have also been able to identify the routes these terrorists use during and after infiltration” the police officer said.

“One M4 carbine and two AK-47 rifles along with many medical kits, explosives and bullets have been recovered. The terrorists had come for a long haul. The remaining terrorists are now wandering without weapons and ammunition. The CRPF, Army and the police are chasing them and they will be eliminated” the SSP said. 

Multiple security and intelligence agencies are working together in the operation to eliminate the terrorists who fled from Kathua. Security forces have tightened the grid in adjoining Udhampur, Reasi and Doda district where these terrorists are expected to enter through forest areas.

Among the material seized from the terrorists include sophisticated gadgets for navigation, clothes, sleeping bags, Pakistan-make medicines, beverages and food items.