Security forces rush in to nab HP killers
Mukhtar Ahmed in Srinagar
Army and police personnel have moved into Bhaderwah in Doda district to seal off areas bordering Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, where 35 villagers in Kalaband and Strandi were killed by terrorists early on Monday.
Doda district police chief Muneer Ahmed Khan said the security forces had mounted massive searches in areas bordering Chamba. A search operation is also being mounted in Himachal Pradesh.
A senior police officer said they had been informed that 15 other villagers had also been injured in the attack.
Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have announced joint operations in villages bordering Doda on the Jammu and Kashmir side and adjoining Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Chamba, Atul Verma could not be contacted since he has rushed to the villages where the massacre occurred.
Official sources said the militants, whose number is not known, opened indiscriminate fire on sleeping labourers between 0200 hours and 0300 hours.
On receiving information of the killings, the authorities rushed additional police forces to the spot, which can be reached only on foot. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has rushed to the site of the massacre; state Director General of Police B S Thakur is also leaving for Chamba.
With additional inputs from UNI
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