Terrorist killed in Jammu and Kashmir, gun battle continues
By IANSThursday, July 15, 2010
JAMMU - The body of a terrorist was recovered from a forest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where a gun battle that started two days ago claiming an Indian Army major’s life continues, officials said Thursday.
The body of the terrorist was recovered Thursday morning from the Beri Rakh forests in Mendhar area of Poonch district, about 230 km from Jammu.
“The operation is on. We will be able to give you an exact picture only after the encounter is over,” said an army officer here.
The army lost Major Amit Thange, 28, Tuesday night. Six of its men, including Colonel Ajay Katoch, have suffered injuries since the gunfight began.
Major Thange belonged to Chhindwara area of Madhya Pradesh. Colonel Katoch received a bullet in his neck and is undergoing treatment at a military hospital.
“Based on information regarding the presence of terrorists in Beri Rakh forests, troops of Rashtriya Rifles launched a cordon and search operation July 11. Late Tuesday night, contact was established with the terrorists and the firefight ensued,” defence spokesperson Lt Col Biplab Nath said about the operation Wednesday.
From their style of fighting, the terrorists appear to be from the Lashkar-e-Taiba, army sources said.
