In Jammu and Kashmir, several persons were detained for questioning as a massive search operation to flush out terrorists entered its third day in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district today. Security forces are trying to identify the overground workers who assisted the terrorists in procuring and transporting large quantities of rations and other supplies, which were enough to provide sustenance for at least four persons during the winter months.

Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the operation was launched in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora in the Chatroo belt on Sunday, leading to a gunfight that left one paratrooper dead and seven others injured, primarily due to splinter injuries caused by a sudden grenade attack from the hiding terrorists. The terrorists escaped deep into the forest area, but their well-fortified hideout, packed with a large quantity of winter stock, was busted.

Meanwhile, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu in the morning today to pay tribute to the slain Special Force Commando, Havildar Gajendra Singh, and later, the mortal remains of the deceased were dispatched to his hometown in Uttarakhand for the last rites.