After Thursday Encounter Killing Four Jaish-e-Mohammad Terrorists, Security Tightened Near Vaishno Devi Shrine

After neutralising four Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Nagrota, Jammu on Thursday, the security has been increased near the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Under Unlock 5.0, the government permitted 7,000 visitors to the shrine on a daily basis from 15 October without any restrictions on local or outside visitors.

The four terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out at near Ban Toll Plaza in Nagrota when a truck consisting of the suspected terrorists was intercepted during a routine check at 5 am.

"During the search, CRPF soldiers and police were fired upon using heavy ammunition, and grenades were also lobbed. More forces were called in and the encounter went on for 3 hours," Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, was quoted as saying by Livemint.

"It's possible that the terrorists were planning a "big attack" and targeting the upcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections in the Union Territory," he added.

The elections are planned to conducted over eight phases between 28 November and 19 December. The counting of votes will take place on 22 December.