Yogesh
Udhampur, Dec 16: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti on Tuesday said that a policeman was killed in the ongoing encounter with terrorists in Udhampur district, while terrorists have fled toward the dense forest after initial firefight.
Talking to reporters, the IGP Jammu said, “A cordon-and-search operation was launched yesterday evening in Soan village following a specific input. The input proved accurate and an encounter broke out when a small team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) came under fire from terrorists.”
He said that during the exchange of fire, a policeman Amjad Ali Khan of Poonch, sustained critical injuries. “He was evacuated for medical treatment, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries due to excessive blood loss,” the IGP said.
He said that after the initial firefight, terrorists fled toward the dense forest. “The entire area stands cordoned off and a joint combing operation has been launched with the support of the Indian Army and CRPF,” he said.
“The terrain is extremely difficult, with hilly features and thick forest cover. As per the original intelligence, three terrorists were hiding there, which was later confirmed during the encounter. The operation is on to track terrorists,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat led the solemn wreath laying ceremony at the District Police Lines in Udhampur, to honour constable Amjad Ali Khan of the 22nd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) who died fighting terrorists in the operation.
Besides the DGP wreaths were laid by IGP (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti, Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, along with senior police officers, CRPF personnel and district administration officials, who paid floral tributes to the fallen policeman.
A gun salute was given as a final farewell, following which the mortal remains were sent to his hometown in the Mendhar border area of Poonch district for burial, officials said.
