Uri encounter: Rajnath takes stock, instructs MHA to monitor situation in J-K

New Delhi [India], Sept. 18 (ANI): After postponing his forthcoming visits to the United States and Russia in the wake of the fierce encounter underway in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has instructed Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other senior officers in the Ministry of Home Affairs to closely monitor the situation in the Valley. "Keeping the situation of Jammu and Kashmir in mind and in the wake of terror attack in Uri, I have postponed my visits to Russia and the USA . Spoke to Governor & CM of Jammu & Kashmir regarding the terror attack in Uri. They have apprised me of the security situation in the state," Rajnath said in a series of tweets. Meanwhile, around four to five terrorists attacked the Army Brigade's headquarters in Uri and a massive gunbattle is underway. The entire town has been sealed and security on the vital roads connecting Line of Control (LOC) has been beefed up. According to reports, the Army has sent three choppers from army's 19 divisional headquarters in Baramulla to Uri. The encounter is underway between the unknown number of terrorists and the Armed Forces in the area, in which reportedly six soldiers have been injured out of which three have been airlifted to the nearest hospital. Para Commando troops have been airdropped into the conflict zone to fortify the response by the defence. Intense firing and explosions were heard in the area and the encounter site is nearly 90 kilometres north of Srinagar. More details followed. (ANI)