Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010558960100.htm

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Gun battle enters fourth day

Jammu: The gun battle between the security forces and militants near the Line of Control in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir entered the fourth day on Sunday.

So far, three security personnel and four ultras have been killed. “The gun battle resumed on Sunday morning after a night-long break,” defence sources said. “The Army and the police have put up a three-tier cordon and are zeroing in on the cave-type hideouts in the Bhatidhar forests.”

Heavy fog and poor visibility are coming in the way of the security forces. The sources said “a major assault was launched in these strong cave-type hideouts to destroy them.” There were reports of over 10 militants hiding in the area. Decoded intercepts revealed that some top commanders of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, Al-Badr and the Lashkar-e-Taiba were holed up there. “We will not allow them to escape from the spot. The operation will finish only after the recovery of their bodies.” Paramilitary units have been rushed to the area. The militants have made strong fortifications. — PTI