High alert in Kathua after villagers claim they saw terrorists

Jammu-Pathankote National Highway sealed

A high alert was today sounded and search operations launched in Kathua and adjoining areas after some villagers claimed to have sighted terrorists in the region which witnessed twin suicide attacks on Thursday that left 10 people dead.

Security forces launched search and cordon operation after some villagers claimed they have sighted some terrorists in Army uniforms in Dayalachak area of Kathua district this morning, DIG, Jammu-Kathua range, Shakeel Ahmed Beigh said.

The Jammu-Pathankote National Highway has been sealed and a high alert has been sounded in Kathua and adjoining areas, he said.

"As soon as we received the information, police, CRPF, army and other intelligence agencies are on high alert and launched search and combing operation in the area", Beigh said.

"Till now we have not seen any suspects but the combing operation is still going on in the area", he said.

Reports of firing by militants in Government School Chirkh between Dayalachak and Hiranagar in Kathua have been found to be false, district officials said, adding, people have been asked not to pay heed to rumours

On September 26, three terrorists had stormed a police station and then an army camp in Jammu region, killing 10 people including an army officer in twin 'fidayeen' attacks after they sneaked in from across the border.

Six persons, including four policemen, were killed in the 'fidayeen'(suicide) strike on the police station in Hiranagar in Kathua close to International Border(IB) by the terrorists while four army personnel including a Lt Colonel died in the attack on Samba camp.