Security near and around Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra has been increased after an encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out on Jammu's Nagrota on Thursday. Four terrorists were killed in the encounter, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday near Ban Toll Plaza in the Nagrota area of Jammu district.
According to sources, the four terrorists are likely from the United Nations-designated terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
"These terrorists used old modus operandi and had recently infiltrated the Indian side. An investigation is underway," they added.
Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone said that it was possible terrorists were planning a "big attack" and targeting the upcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections in the Union Territory.
The DDC elections will be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir in eight phases between November 28 and December 19, and the counting of votes will take place on December 22.
IG, Jammu Zone also informed that the kind of seizure from the encounter site is "unprecedented". "It's possible that they were planning a big attack. This kind of seizure is unprecedented. It is possible that they were targeting the DDC election. However, we are investigating," Singh said.
The encounter broke out after a truck was intercepted at 5 am on Thursday during a routine check.
"During the search, CRPF soldiers and police were fired upon using heavy ammunition, and grenades were also lobbed. More forces were called in and the encounter went on for 3 hours," the IG said.
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