UDHAMPUR :In a major success for security forces, two terrorists have been eliminated in an encounter in the Maljata forest area of Udhampur district, officials confirmed on Thursday morning.
According to official sources, a large quantity of arms, ammunition and war-like stores have been recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists. The identity and group affiliation of the killed terrorists is yet to be ascertained.
A joint operation is still underway by J&K Police and Army's Para (Special Forces) to ensure no other terrorist is hiding in the area.
Officials said that late Wednesday evening, some suspicious movement and gunshots were reported in the upper reaches of Maljata. Acting on a specific intelligence input about presence of terrorists in the area, joint teams of Police and Army immediately cordoned off the entire forest belt.
As the search party closed in, hiding terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle which continued for several hours. In the exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed.
Additional reinforcements have been rushed to Maljata and the whole area has been put under tight cordon. Drones and other surveillance equipment are being used to scan the dense forest.
Senior police and Army officers are monitoring the operation at the spot. Officials said the combing operation has been intensified and more details will be shared after the operation is concluded.
This is the second major encounter in Udhampur district in recent weeks. Security forces are on high alert across Jammu region.