Investigating agencies probing Tuesday's Kathua terror attack have revealed key information on how the terrorists came to be in the middle of a residential locality. Initial reports from the security forces involved in the anti-terror operation in Hiranagar suggested that the terrorists were first seen asking for water from locals and then opening fire at residents of Saida Sukhal village near Koota Mode when their movements raised suspicion.
Alerted by the shots, security forces moved in to investigate. This resulted in a shootout between the two sides. Seven people, including a civilian and a special police officer, were injured in the incident. A local militant group called The Kashmir Tigers claimed responsibility for the attack.
One of the terrorists was killed on Tuesday evening and the other was killed on Wednesday.
It has now come to the fore that the two terrorists had not intended to be in the area at all. The agencies investigating the Hiranagar attack told ABP News lost their way and reached the village while looking for a way back to their hideout.
Investigators said no mobile phone was found on the slain terrorists. According to them, the terrorists had recently crossed the border to enter India. "Their guide in India probably could not meet them. So, they moved ahead on their own. Since these two terrorists did not know the geographical layout of Kathua, they got lost and landed in the village while wandering," an investigating officer said.
When they reached the village, they felt thirsty and sought water from the locals. However, due to their suspicious movements, the residents of the area slammed their doors on the terrorists and raised an alarm. Panicked, the duo opened fire at the locals.
Soon, the army and police reached the area and killed them in a 16-hour operation.
READ ON ABP LIVE | Kathua Encounter: Second Terrorist Killed In Hiranagar After Overnight Op