Militants hit Jammu a day before Narendra Modi’s visit

Army sources said the encounter began around 7.30am and lasted for about 12 hours, during which four militants, who had entered an Army bunker along Ditch-cum-Bundh (DCB), were killed. Firing from the bunker stopped at 7am but the operation was on till last reports came in.

Pointing out that the attack was aimed at disturbing peace and disrupting polls, IGP ( Jammu Zone) Rajesh Kumar said it was possible that the militants wanted to target Modi’s rallies. Following the attack, security has been intensified on all roads leading to Jammu city, he added.

The fidayeens were first spotted by a villager Somnath a culvert near Pindi village around 6.30am. He did not suspect anything because the fidayeens, all in early 20s, were wearing Army uniforms.

Sources said the fidayeens first opened fire on a Territorial Army jawan, but he escaped. Then, they fired at a car, killing one occupant and injuring another. They also shot a biker.

The fidayeens breached a series of BSF security checks to reach the DCB and entered a bunker. In the ensuing crossfire, during which the Army moved in armoured vehicles and tanks, three jawans were injured. They later succumbed.

Defence officials confirmed the death of Nk Kulwinder and Nk Jagsir Singh of 5 Sikh Light Infantry and Paratrooper Balwinder Singh of Para (Special Forces).

Defence sources said the terrorists sneaked in the Arnia sector after breaching the IB manned by the BSF. The BSF, however, said their surveillance cameras have not recorded any breach. “We conducted a verification of all possible routes but have not found any breach,” said a BSF officer.

Meanwhile, the army arrested a Pakistani terrorist in Lam Batta area in Nowshera and foiled an infiltration bid from across LoC. An AK 47 rifle, a Pakistan made pistol and Rs 8,100 in Pakistani currency, were seized from Abdul Qayoom, sources said. WITH ENS DELHI