3 killed as terrorists open fire barging into Hindu homes in J&K

Rajouri: Three people were killed and several others sustained bullet injuries after terrorists opened fire barging into the houses of Hindu community in Jammu and Kashimir’s Rajouri on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Satish Kumar (45), Deepak Kumar (23), Pritam Lal (57) and Shishu Pal (32).

The incident took place at nearly 7 pm, when the two militants sneaked in through the forests before storming into three houses of the Hindu community, according to India Today.

Terrorists reportedly confirmed the identity of the victims by checking their Aadhaar cards before spraying bullets on them on the first day of the New Year.

Deeraj Kumar, sarpanch of Dangri reportedly said after hearing gunshot of increasing intensity at around 7 pm he received calls that said terrorist were behind it.

This is the first of its kind attack in many months that plunged the valley again in fear and pain.

"The firing ended within 10 minutes. First, they attacked a house in Upper Dangri and then they moved 25 meters away and shot several people there. They also fired on another house 25 meters away from the second house while fleeing the village." India Today quoted an official as saying.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh, said that search operation are underway to arrest the two armed men behind the attack at Upper Dangri village, about eight kilometres from Rajouri town.

Following the gruesome attack, several organisations including traders guilds held protests alongside calling for general strike in the Rajouri district on Monday.

Protesters gathering outside GMC hospital Rajouri shouted slogans against Pakistan and terrorists.

There are reports of protesters having shouted slogans against the Lt Governor's administration and security agencies for not 'effectively' handling the threat of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.