In the wake of a recent terror attack that claimed the lives of four soldiers in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, a high alert has been sounded in the region as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit on December 27, 2023. The attack targeted two army vehicles at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch.
Accompanied by top Army and civilian officials, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is slated to monitor the ground situation closely. His visit follows Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pande’s recent inspection of the anti-terror operation underway in Surankote and the Thanamandi forest belt of Rajouri district.
Security forces, engaged in a relentless search for the terrorists responsible for the ambush, are conducting cordon and search operations in the area. Sniffer dogs have been deployed to aid in the efforts. In the past six days, over 30 suspects have been questioned, though several have been subsequently released. The heightened security measures come in the wake of an increased frequency of terror activities in the Jammu region over the last few years. Since October 2021, more than 30 army personnel have lost their lives in the area.
Notably, a month ago, two army officers and three soldiers sacrificed their lives in a gunbattle with terrorists in Rajouri. The encounter resulted in the elimination of two Pakistani terrorists, one of whom was identified as Quari—a Lashkar-e-Taiba sniper and explosives expert active in Rajouri for over a year. Quari was allegedly involved in at least three terror incidents in the region.
The Defence Minister’s visit aims to assess the security situation, discuss measures being taken to address the escalating tensions, and strategize with top security officials. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the region, particularly in the face of recent challenges posed by terrorism.