Jawan killed in fierce encounter in Arnia in Jammu region

A jawan was killed and three others injured today after a fierce gunbattle broke out between security forces and militants who had sneaked into Arnia border sector while an infiltration bid was foiled along the Line of Control in Rajouri district.

The fresh bloodletting came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu region tomorrow for Assembly poll campaign.

"As per initial reports from the area, a group of militants numbering between two to four infiltrated from Arnia belt of Jammu district and resorted to firing," a police officer told PTI, adding the security grid of Army, BSF and Police swung into action and launched a search for the militants this morning.

Army sources said the militants occupied a vacant army bunker in Pindi Khattar belt of Arnia border sector of Jammu district.

"The bunker was of Army's 92 infantry brigade. A fierce encounter broke out. A jawan has been killed and three others, including a civilian, are injured," they said.

A car has also been seized in the area which might have been used by the militants.

Meanwhile, troops noticed suspicious movement near Line of Control (LoC) in Leharan Company Operating Base in Lam Battalion area of Rajouri district around 0630 hours today, a senior army officer said.

The security personnel responded immediately and foiled an infiltration bid, he said.

During search operation, a suspected militant was apprehended and one AK 47 with 30 rounds, one Pakistan made pistol and Rs 8,100 Pakistan currency were seized from his possession.

He was identified Adul Qayoomi alias Punjabi, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to campaign for BJP in second phase of assembly elections in Udhampur and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on November 28.

Modi will address rally in Udhampur district, which is 100 km from Arnia.

According to Kashmir BJP spokesman Farooq Khan, Modi will address rallies in Udhampur district and border district of Poonch at 12 p.m and 2:30 p.m on Friday.

Security has been beefed up by BSF along the border and also in Jammu city, Udhampur and Poonch areas.

The Army had yesterday said militants were out to disturb the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir but the forces were alert to foil their designs.