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J&K: Encounter ends in Kathua, 4 dead, terrorists killed

by IBNS 20 Mar 2015, 10:09 am

Jammu, Mar 20 (IBNS): As the encounter at a police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district ended on Friday, leaving three security personnel and a civilian killed, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the death of two terrorists.

"Our sympathies lie with the families of the policemen and the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the attack," Singh said while making a statement in the Lok Sabha.

"A civilian who was shot down by militants has our sympathies," he added.

While confirming the death of the two terrorists, he said, "We admire and commend the work done by our security forces."

Director General of Police K Rajendra also said both terrorists have been killed in the encounter that broke out early Friday morning.

Combing operation is currently underway.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the day witnessed heavy gun battle as terrorists attacked a police station in Kathua district and killed two security personnel.

One Jammu and Kashmir police officer and two CRPF jawans were killed in the terror attack.

Police sources in Jammu also said that one civilian was killed in the cross firing.

Inside the police station, the terrorists had taken at least 5 cops as hostage. 

According to reports, the terrorists belong to a Fidayeen group.

The terrorists, who were believed to be in military uniforms, opened fire at the Rajbagh Police Station a little after 6 am. 

This police station is located barely 15 kilometres from the International Border.

Following the incident, the Jammu-Pathankot highway has been closed for traffic. 

Rajnath Singh earlier spoke to the DGP of J&K and the heads of other security agencies regarding the terrorist attack in Kathua district.

The Union Home Minister instructed the Home Secretary to actively monitor the situation. 

The MHA is also in touch with the agencies of J&K.

Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and tweeted: "My thoughts are with those brave security personnel dealing with the Fidayeen attack in Kathua town of Jammu this morning."

He said the terrorists who are carrying out the attack came from across the border.

"These Fidayeen will have walked across the border last night & launched their attack this morning which is the past pattern as well," he wrote.

Reacting to the incident,  Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh blamed India's neighbour Pakistan for the attack.

"I want to salute the brave officer who died while fighting against the terrorists. It seems that our neighbour will not stop their mischief," he said.

(With inputs from Saleem Iqbal Qadri)