George to visit Siachen, may drop in on Amarnath

In an apparent increase in ‘‘terrorist engagement’’, the Army killed 10 terrorists in the state in the past 24 hours, losing two of its officers in the bargain.

‘‘The situation is only expected to worsen over the next few months. Fernandes was given a briefing about the prevailing situation but he wants to assess the situation on ground and interact with officers and jawans.

After returning from Bihar tomorrow, he will leave for the Siachen glacier,’’ Defence Ministry sources said.

Fernandes will visit the centrally air conditioned Army hospital at Hundar and then proceed to Kupwara and Baramulla, where he will get a briefing on anti-terrorist operations.

He will also make time for troops posted at Bhaderwah and Kishtwar in Doda district.

‘‘Security forces have been gunning down terrorists in an increasing number of engagements both at the Line of Control and in the depth areas.

Intercepts have indicated that terrorists have been instructed by their handlers across the Line of Control to disrupt the election process,’’ an official in the Military Intelligence Directorate said.