Rajouri/Jammu: About three groups of terrorists, each comprising two to three ultras, are operating in Rajouri and Poonch districts, a senior police officer said on Sunday, asserting that security forces are determined to wipe out terrorism from the region.
Additional Director General of Police Mukesh Singh also said security agencies are making twice the effort to thwart the attempts to push terrorists from across the border.
“Two or three groups of terrorists are believed to be present in the (Pir Panjal) region. Each group comprises two to three terrorists but divulging their exact number is difficult,” Singh, flanked by the Army’s Romeo Force Major General Mohit Trivedi, told reporters in Rajouri.
He referred to the killing of six terrorists in recent encounters, including four in the Surankote area of Poonch on July 18, and said attempts to disturb the peaceful atmosphere by pushing terrorists into the Indian side are going on unabated from across the border.
“We are making double efforts to thwart their attempts and wipe out terrorism from the region,” Singh said.
Asked about the plan of the terrorists, he said it is a matter of investigation. “A thorough investigation and analysis will be carried out after the encounter.”
On the possible involvement of the slain terrorist in the Dhangri attack where seven civilians were killed in January, the officer said, “It is also part of the investigation. We will call the eyewitnesses for identification of the slain terrorist.”
Singh said strict action is being taken against overground workers of the terror groups. “Several of them have already been booked under the Public Safety Act while we are also keeping a constant vigil on suspected persons.”
He added, “Action will be taken against any overground worker whose linkage will be established during the investigation of the latest encounter,” he said.
Major General Trivedi credited the success against the terrorists to the synergy among the Army, police and other sister agencies and the cooperation of the people.
“The operations against terrorists will continue to ensure they do not get a foothold. The terrorists were feeling that they will operate with ease but we have cornered them,” he said, adding anyone having any ill will against the region or the country will be dealt with sternly.
He said the induction of homemade new firearms and night-vision devices have improved the capability of the forces and “we promise to ensure a peaceful atmosphere”.
