An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Narla area of Rajouri district on Tuesday evening. According to sources, one terrorist and one jawan were killed and five security personnel were injured in the exchange of fires.
Indian army dog Kent was also killed in the gunfight. A Defence spokesperson said a brave Army dog, a six-year-old female Labrador from 21 Army Dog Unit, also lost its life in the encounter while saving its handler.
"Army dog Kent was at the forefront of 'Operation Sujaligala'. Kent was leading a column of soldiers on the trail of the fleeing terrorists. It came down under heavy hostile fire. While shielding its handler, it laid down its life in the best traditions of the Indian Army," he said.
According to the police officials, 2-3 terrorists were present at the site.
"The Indian Army and local police officials were on the job, while further details will be shared accordingly," they said.
"One terrorist and an Army soldier were killed while three security personnel – two Army jawans and one special police officer – were injured in the gunfight," Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh said.
The security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the forested Patrada area on Monday evening and fired a few rounds after noticing suspicious movement of two persons, the officials said.
However, they said, both the suspects managed to escape from the scene taking advantage of the darkness and thick foliage. They left behind a rucksack along with some clothes and other articles that were recovered by the search parties.
The cordon and search operation was extended to nearby areas, including Bambel and Narla, to track down the terrorists, the officials said, adding the search operation in the area was underway.
The border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have witnessed several encounters this year, resulting in the killing of about 26 terrorists and 10 security personnel.
Most of the terrorists were killed while attempting to sneak into Indian territory from across the border, according to officials.
(Report by Rahi Kapoor)
