Militants kill Army JCO, 3 civilians in J&K's Arnia sector

The attack came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif in Nepal's capital Kathmandu.

It also emerged at a time when the state is going through Assembly polls.

Army said, The incident took place near to Pindi post about three kilometres from the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

The bunker is located near Pindi Khattar belt of Arnia border sector of Jammu forward area.

The bunker belonged to Army's 92 infantry brigade.

According to Army sources, based on specific inputs from villagers, the Army sent in its Quick Reaction Team (QRTs).

On reaching the site, the militants opened fire on the security personnel.

During the exchange, the JCO sustained fatal bullet injuries in the ensuing battle.

Three civilians were also killed in the cross-fire.

Army sources said, the the militants have reportedly entered the bunker on Wednesday night, were  challenged by Army personnel.

Three militants have reportedly been killed in the encounter.

As per latest reports, the encounter is still going on.

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

More troops have rushed in and a hunt is on to flush out the remaining terrorists.

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

The incident took place at a time when the heads of state of India and Pakistan are meeting and shaking hands in Nepal.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said it "cannot be a coincidence" that the Arnia militant attack came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif attended the SAARC summit in Nepal.

"The timing of the attack in Arnia can't be a coincidence. My condolences to the family of the army officer killed in Arnia," Abdullah wrote on Twitter.

He further wrote, "Some things will never change, SAARC summit is on, Ind & Pak PMs at the same venue and a fierce encounter breaks out in Jammu."

"All police posts along the NH in Jammu and other sensitive locations have been put on high alert and the situation is being closely
monitored," Omar said on the micro-blogging site.

Meanwhile, reports of ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army also emerged in the same sector.

According to media reports, fresh ceasefire violations also took place at the border outposts at Pindi and Nairianpur.

It has been learnt that security troops noticed suspicious movement near Line of Control (LoC) in Leharan Company Operating Base in Lam Battalion area of Rajouri district around 6:30am.

The security personnel responded immediately and foiled an infiltration bid.

Army sources said, a suspected militant was apprehended during search operation 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.

Security experts said, that the infiltrators were trying to disrupt the election proceedings in the state.

The ceasefire in the Pindi outpost was was meant to cover the infiltrators.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to campaign for Bharatiya Janata Party (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.

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

Reporting by: Saleem Iqbal Qadri