4 terrorists killed in early-morning encounter near Tawi bridge in Jammu
Jammu, December 28
Four terrorists, travelling in a truck to Kashmir, were killed in a “chance encounter” with security forces here on Wednesday morning, a police officer said.
Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Mukesh Singh, said the gunfight took place around 7.30am amid intense fog near Tawi Bridge in the Sidhra bypass area along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
“Seven AK assault rifles, one M4 rifle, three pistols and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists,” he said.
“The suspicious movement of a truck, that was moving to Kashmir, was observed. It was followed and stopped near Sidhra check point but its driver escaped on the pretext of attending the call of nature,” the ADGP told reporters at the scene of the gun battle.
Getting suspicious, Singh said, police started searching the truck but came under heavy fire from inside.
An encounter ensued during which the truck caught fire, he said, adding that four terrorists were killed.
“The clear picture will emerge once the truck is searched,” the ADGP said, adding that it is part of the investigation where from the terrorists had infiltrated.
He said the ultras were heavily armed and were on their way to Kashmir when they were intercepted. He said efforts are on to nab the driver of the truck, who has fled.
“The identity and group affiliation of the terrorists is being ascertained,” the ADGP said.
Officials said the intense firing between the two sides lasted for over 45 minutes, during which several explosions apparently caused by hurling of grenades, were heard.
Smoke was seen billowing from the truck, loaded with husk, that was damaged in the gunfight. With PTI
