Inspector Kuldeep Kumar of the CRPF was killed in an exchange of fire between terrorists and security personnel at Chill, Dudu in Udhampur district of the UT.

"I am deeply anguished to learn about the cowardly attack on our Army soldiers and JKP personnel in Doda district,” LG Sinha said.

The attackers managed to flee, after which search operations were launched by Army and police personnel in the area.

45-year-old Hakim Din was arrested for harbouring terrorists multiple times. Along with providing food and shelter, he also acted as a guide and helped them reach the spot of the incident, Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police said.

Shah is likely to be apprised about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the deployment of forces along the International Border and Line of Control, infiltration attempts, the status of ongoing anti-terror operations and the strength of terrorists operating in the Union Territory, sources said.

According to the Kheer Bhawani temple management, a total of 15000 diyas will be lit up in remembrance of the victims of the twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Army, police, and paramilitary forces resumed search operations in Kota Top in Gandoh, Chattergalla, and nearby areas in Doda district, where seven security personnel, including two policemen, were injured in separate gunfights on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to official reports, a terrorist fired over two dozen rounds at the convoy of the two police officers. No harm was caused to any of the officers or personnel.

Terrorists are upgrading their weaponry, moving from AK-47s and AK-56s to more lethal foreign-made arms, including US-made M4 assault rifles, steel-coated bullets, and Chinese-made ammunition.

The 53-seater bus, en route from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road following the gunfire and fell into a deep gorge. The incident took place around 6.15 pm near Teryath village in Poni area.

According to sources it was suspected that the attackers belonged to a group of terrorists hiding in the upper reaches of Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi.

Former sarpanch Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh was killed in Shopian’s Heerapora and a couple from Jaipur were injured in an attack in Anantnag’s Pahalgam.