The search operation by security forces in a remote village of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the killing of another terrorist in an encounter on Wednesday.
The death toll during the ongoing three-day search operation in Narla village is now three, officials said.
A suspected Pakistani terrorist was killed in the encounter, while the lives of an army personnel and Kent, a six-year-old female Labrador of the Army’s dog unit were also lost in the operation.
Three security personnel were injured in the gunfight. Additional Director General of Police (Jammu Zone) Mukesh Singh said despite bad weather, security forces laid a strong cordon around the area, 75 kilometres from Rajouri town, throughout the night and extended the search to nearby areas in the morning.
Intermittent firing was reported during the night, creating fear among locals who demanded permanent security posts.
The forces launched a cordon and search operation in the forested Patrada area on Monday and fired a few rounds after noticing suspicious movement of two people, officials said.
However, both the suspects managed to escape under the cover of darkness and the thick foliage. They left behind a rucksack and some clothes and other articles that were recovered by the search parties.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held for Ravi Kumar, the slain rifleman from Kishtwar district, at the Army garrison in Rajouri early on Wednesday.
Also Read: IAF Gets First New Gen C295 Aircraft As Part Of Rs 21k-cr Modernisation Project
