Attack Details and Immediate Response
In a tragic incident on Monday afternoon, five Army personnel were killed and six others injured after terrorists attacked a military convoy in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. The attack occurred while the Army vehicles were on a routine patrol on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road, approximately 150 km from Kathua.
The terrorists initiated the assault by throwing a grenade at the convoy, followed by open fire. Security forces immediately retaliated, but the terrorists fled into a nearby forest. Reinforcements were quickly deployed, and a search operation was launched to track down the attackers. As of now, intermittent firing is ongoing between the terrorists and security forces.
Political Reactions and Condolences
The attack drew strong reactions from political leaders. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called for strict action against the continuous terrorist attacks, criticizing “hollow speeches and false promises.” Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep anguish over the martyrdom of the soldiers, condemning the attack in the strongest terms. He emphasized the need for robust measures to combat terrorism in the region.
Recent Surge in Terrorist Activities
This attack marks the second assault on the Indian Army in the Jammu region within 48 hours. On Sunday, an Army camp in Rajouri district was targeted, resulting in one soldier being injured.
In addition to the Kathua attack, the region witnessed a series of encounters in Kulgam district. On Sunday, six terrorists were killed in two separate encounters, which also claimed the lives of two soldiers, including a para-trooper. The encounters began on Saturday, involving security forces comprising the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Army, and local police.
The first encounter took place in Modergam village, where security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence about terrorist presence. A para-trooper was fatally wounded in the initial exchange of gunfire. The operation escalated into a full-scale assault, culminating in the destruction of the target house and the recovery of two terrorists’ bodies.
Simultaneously, another fierce gun battle unfolded in Kulgam’s Frisal area. Drone footage revealed the bodies of four terrorists after a prolonged firefight. One soldier was killed and another injured during this encounter.
Identified Terrorists and Security Measures
The terrorists killed in the Frisal area were identified as Yawar Bashir Dar, Zahid Ahmad Dar, Tawheed Ahmad Rather, and Shakeel Ahmad Wani. The two terrorists in Modergam were identified as Faisal and Adil. Para Commando Lance Naik Pradeep Nain was killed in action in Modergam, while Havaldar Raj Kumar of 1 Rashtriya Rifles was killed in Frisal.
Reports of another incident in the Rajouri district mentioned firing near an Army camp, resulting in one soldier’s injury. Initial reports suggested an attempted overnight terror attack on the Manjakote Army camp, although official confirmation is pending.
Pakistan-Based Operatives and Increased Vigilance
Security agency sources indicated that a Pakistan-based operative of the Resistance Front, a unit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, is behind the recent spike in terror activities in J&K. Identified as Saifullah Sajid Jatt from Shangamanga village in Kasur district of Pakistan’s Punjab, he is considered a “hardcore terrorist” with a bounty of ₹ 10 lakh on his head.
J&K has experienced a series of terror attacks in recent months. Last month, terrorists opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims, resulting in the bus falling into a gorge in Reasi district and killing nine people. Subsequently, two armed terrorists entered a village, leading to a gunfight in which a CRPF personnel was killed, and the terrorists were shot dead.
Ongoing Fight Against Terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed Parliament, stating that the fight against terrorism in J&K is in its final stages. He emphasized the government’s multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the remaining terror networks in the region.
“Our fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, in a way, is in its last stage, last leg. We are moving with a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the remaining terror network there,” PM Modi said.
Conclusion
The recent surge in terrorist activities and attacks on security forces highlights the ongoing challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. With concerted efforts from the government and security forces, the aim is to bring lasting peace and stability to the region. The bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers serve as a reminder of the relentless commitment to safeguarding the nation.
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