Cop injured in terror attack on SOG camp in Doda; 4th such attack in Jammu region in 3 days

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, June 12

A Jammu and Kashmir policeman was injured in terrorist firing in a fresh encounter in J&K’s Doda district on Wednesday evening – the second in the district and the third in the Jammu division in the day.

Official sources said that terrorists fired at a checkpost of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) in Gandoh village of the Bhalessa area in Doda.

“One policeman of the SOG was injured in initial firing by the terrorists. Security forces have now engaged the terrorists in sustained gunfire. Some terrorists are believed to be trapped inside the cordon that was laid immediately after the initial firing by the terrorists,” a source said.

Earlier, a terrorist and a CRPF jawan were killed in Seda Sohal village of the Hiranagar area of Kathua district. Security forces killed a terrorist in this area on Tuesday evening after surrounding the village on getting information about the terrorist firing, which left a villager injured.

The second encounter took place at the Chattergalla area of Doda where terrorists fired at a joint ‘Naka’ (checkpost) of army and police, leaving five soldiers and an SPO injured. Security forces started a cordon and search operation in the area which is still underway.

This comes amid the region has been witnessing a surge in violence with three significant attacks in Jammu region.

The series of attacks began on June 9, when terrorists attacked a bus in Reasi, causing it to plunge into a gorge. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of at least 9 pilgrims and left 42 others injured.

In the days following, villagers in the Hiranagar area of Kathua reported hearing gunshots on Tuesday. This was followed by an attack on a security checkpost in the Chattragala area on the same night.

The encounter in Doda led to an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces, resulting in injuries to five jawans and a sub-divisional special police officer (SDPO). 

Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the security forces and police will not rest till they eliminate all terrorists and their supporters from Jammu and Kashmir.

More details are awaited.