9th day of CASOs: No contact established with Dhangri massacre perpetrators. Vital leads likely to lead elimination of fleeing terrorists: SSP.

GNSONLINE RAJOURI SHYAM SOOD

RAJOURI, JANUARY 10:–Even on Tuesday the 9th day of intensive Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) jointly launched by district Rajou ri police with the Army & Para Military Forces in and beyond Rajouri district, no contact has so far been made with the terrorists responsible for twin terror incidents in Dhangri village in which 7 innocent people, including two minors were killed in January 1(firing) & 2 (IED blast).
Meanwhile, on the directions of MHA & Lt Governor Administration, the process for the renewal and strengthening of Village Defence Groups (VDGs- earlier VDCs) in both the border districts of Rajouri & Poonch has been taken on priority.
At many places, especially situated along the LoC and in vulnerable areas, Army and CRPF have been holding workshops focused on weapon inspection, firing practice and briefing the VDCs about the present security scenario (after the Dhangri terrorist attack).
It is pertinent to mention here that, according to district police office, there are 683 VDCs in Rajouri district with 5206 members.
Out of 683 VDCs functioning in the district, 420 are Hindu groups, 30 are Muslim groups and 233 VDCs are having members from both the communities.
According to SSP, Mohammad Aslam, several persons have been detained for questioning who might have either been in contact with the terrorists or they had provided moral & logistic support to them.
“The investigation is heading in the right direction and some vital leads are likely to lead in the elimination of the terrorists in the near future. The detained persons include a woman and a man impersonating as woman” said SSP.
Two terrorists, one short and other long, according to eyewitness, and wearing black clothes and one among them carrying a small bag, had struck in village Dhangri at about 6 pm and killed 4 persons and injured another 6 by opening fire.
Before fleeing, they planted an IED in one of the attacked houses, that exploded next morning in which two minor were killed and 11 other were injured.
They same group reportedly have opened fire at Phalyana on December 16 in which two civilians were killed and another was injured.
Earlier, both were spotted in village Muradpur on December 13 when they entered a house and later left.
After Dhangri killings people across the district, especially in vulnerable areas and along LoC feeling insecure and also raised their concerns before the visiting dignitaries including Lt Governor and DGP.
The government has started arming the VDCs once again and also to those who wanted to join VDCs in their areas.
In a first, several ex-servicemen in village Dhangri have been provided self-loading rifles (SLRs) along with ammunition & the process will be followed in other vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, considering the current security situation in the remote villages of Nowshera sub-division in Rajouri district, Indian Army organised a VDC workshop at Deeing Firing Range (Naushera.
The targeted killings of minorities by terrorists in Dhangri on 1 January highlight the need of VDC members in the villages.
“All the VDC members of Battalion area of responsibility have actively participated in the event. VDC members were briefed about the prevalent situation and tactics being employed by anti-national elements and how important their role is to ensure sustained peace and prosperity in the region” said a senior officer of Kalal Battalion.
.