Four killed in fierce encounter between security forces and militants in Samba

Srinagar, May 11 : In an intense gun battle between militants and security forces in Jammu's Samba sector early on Sunday, four people were killed including a photojournalist and four others were injured.

The gun battle is going on between the militants and the security forces. The militant attack in Jammu plains is the first since 2002.

The Border Security Force has been fighting with the militants hidden at Samba District who reportedly managed to sneak into the Indian side during a gun battle in the Samba sector.

The militants attacked a family living in Kali Mandi forest belt in the district this morning and opened fire on the inmates of the house, Inspector General of Police (Jammu zone) K Rajendra said.

While Hoshiyar Singh, the president of the newly constituted Indian National Democratic Party, and his wife Sheshi Balla died on the spot, their two daughters - Bindu and Darshan Devi were seriously injured.

The Army and the BSF rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.

Daily Excelsior's photographer Ashok Sodhi, who was covering the encounter, died when a bullet pierced his head.

The sources said that intercepts after the Friday's gunbattle indicated that a group of 10 militants had crossed the Samba border and were hiding in the forest areas of Samba and Mansar areas.

The BSF on Thursday night had foiled an infiltration bid along the international border in Samba sector. The Security forces had also recovered 10 kg of RDX along with ammunition and other items from Sujani forest area of Samba district.

Sources said this week's incidents might be linked to the melting of ice during summer, which provides militants with a chance to infiltrate into India from Pakistan.

The injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, sources said.

ANI