New Delhi: Four militants, traveling in a truck to Kashmir, were killed in a "chance encounter" with security forces in Jammu early on Wednesday, December 28.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Mukesh Singh said the gunfight took place around 7.30 am amid intense fog near Tawi Bridge in the Sidhra bypass area along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

"A suspicious movement of a truck, that was moving towards Kashmir, was observed. It was followed and stopped near Sidhra checkpoint but its driver escaped on the pretext of attending the call of nature," the ADGP told reporters at the scene of the gunbattle.

Getting suspicious, Singh said, police started searching the truck but came under heavy fire from inside.

An encounter ensued during which the truck caught fire, he said, adding the militants, believed to be three in number, were killed. Later reports noted that four had died.

"The clear picture will emerge once the truck is searched," the ADGP said, adding that part of the investigation will focus on how the militants had entered.

ANI has quoted ADGP Singh as having said that seven AK-47 rifles, three pistols and ammunition were recovered.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh also said it is being investigated whether the militants came from across the border.

He said the militants were heavily armed and were on their way to Kashmir when they were intercepted. He also said that efforts are on to nab the driver of the truck, who has fled.

"The identity and group affiliation of the terrorists is awaited," the ADGP said.

Officials said the intense firing between the two sides lasted for over 45 minutes, during which several explosions, apparently caused by the hurling of grenades, were also heard. Smoke was seen blowing from the truck, loaded with husk, and was completely damaged in the gunfight.

(With PTI inputs)

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