Jammu-Kashmir Terror Attack: 3 Jawans Martyred, 3 Injured; Ongoing Clash Sparks 2-Day Search Operation

In a reprehensible act of terrorism, an army truck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri fell prey to a brutal attack on Thursday, December 21. This tragic incident resulted in the martyrdom of three valiant soldiers, while an additional three sustained injuries. The region remains engulfed in continuous gunfire, highlighting the severity and ongoing nature of the situation.

Regrettably, this marks the second terrorist assault on the army in the area in less than a month. On November 22, a previous attack resulted in the martyrdom of five soldiers during an encounter in Rajouri, underscoring the persistent security challenges faced by the armed forces in the region.

Operation Response and Escalation: Unraveling the Dera Ki Gali Attack

In a recent security development, sources have reported a significant attack unfolding in the area known as Dera Ki Gali (DKG) on the Thanamandi-Surankot road. The targeted assault targeted a military truck transporting soldiers from Bufliaj, highlighting the vulnerability of military convoys in the region.

The sequence of events began to unfold on Wednesday night when security forces launched a decisive cordon and search operation against suspected terrorists in the areas of Surankot and Bufliaj. This proactive measure aimed at preempting potential threats and securing the region encountered an unexpected escalation with the subsequent attack in Dera Ki Gali.

Crucially, the armed forces, engaged in the operation, were able to establish contact today, prompting a swift response. In response to the unfolding situation, additional forces were promptly dispatched to the troubled area to reinforce the ongoing operations and address the heightened security concerns.

Former Jammu-Kashmir DGP Alleges Deliberate Planning by Pakistan in Poonch Attack

In a notable statement, former Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu and Kashmir, SP Vaid, has asserted that the recent attack on an army vehicle in Poonch was a meticulously planned operation orchestrated by Pakistan. According to Vaid, the assailants aimed to disrupt the positive narrative surrounding the significant changes that have transpired in the region following the abrogation of Article 370.

Vaid’s remarks underscore the perceived strategic intent behind the assault, suggesting a calculated effort by external elements to undermine the stability and progress achieved in Jammu and Kashmir post the constitutional changes. The former DGP posits that the attackers, allegedly backed by Pakistan, are seeking to alter the narrative surrounding the positive developments and transformations underway in the region since the revocation of Article 370.

Surankot Police Camp Hit by Powerful Blast: Authorities Confirm Incident

In a concerning development, a day ago, a powerful blast rocked the police camp in Surankot, Poonch. Police officials officially reported the incident on Wednesday, January 20, shedding light on the gravity of the situation. The explosion, which occurred during the night of December 19-20, left a significant impact, evidenced by the shattered windows of multiple vehicles parked within the police camp premises.

Recent Terrorist Incidents in Jammu and Kashmir: A Chronicle of Unrest

November 17: Dual Encounters Claim 6 Terrorists

On November 17, the region witnessed two separate encounters resulting in the elimination of six terrorists. The first encounter, initiated on November 16 in Kulgam, continued until November 17, leading to the demise of five terrorists involved in recent target killings. Simultaneously, in Rajouri, another encounter unfolded, resulting in the death of one terrorist.

October: Police Inspector Assassinated in Eidgah Area

In a tragic incident in October, Police Inspector Masroor Ali Wani was shot three times by a terrorist in the Eidgah area of Srinagar. The assailant targeted Inspector Wani while he was engaged in a cricket match with local boys. The Tehreek-e-Rehman Force (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack.

September 13: 3 Officers, 2 Jawans Martyred in Dual Encounters

On September 13, the region witnessed two encounters resulting in the martyrdom of three officers and two jawans. Among the fallen were an army colonel, a major, and a police DSP. The encounters occurred during a search operation, with terrorists launching an attack on security forces. Two terrorists were also neutralized, and tragically, an army dog lost its life during the operation.

August 9: Security Forces Apprehend 6 Terrorists

In a preemptive move, security forces arrested six terrorists before August 15. The first incident occurred on the night of August 9 in Athlan Gadole, Kokernag, where three terrorists were apprehended, leading to injuries to three individuals, including an army personnel. Another successful operation in Uri resulted in the capture of three militants associated with the Army.

August 6: Joint Operation Claims Lives of 3 Infiltrating Terrorists

On August 6, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police near the Line of Control (LoC) resulted in the demise of two terrorists attempting to infiltrate. Later that evening, a third terrorist, also attempting infiltration, was shot dead, underscoring the continuous challenges faced by security forces in the volatile region.

Unraveling the Grim Tapestry: Major Terrorist Attacks in the Rajouri-Poonch Belt Over the Last Two Years

In the turbulent region of Rajouri-Poonch, the past two years have borne witness to a series of major terrorist attacks, reflecting the persistent challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and stability. Here is a chronicle of the significant incidents:

2021: Three Disturbing Episodes in October

• 11 October 2021: An intense clash between the army and militants erupted in the Chamrer forests of Surankot taluk in Poonch district. Tragically, five jawans, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
• 16 October 2021: Continuing the wave of violence, an encounter ensued between the army and the same militants in the Bhatta Durian area of Mendhar taluk in Poonch. Four more jawans, along with a JCO, were martyred, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.
• 30 October 2021: In a somber incident, a lieutenant and a soldier lost their lives in a mine blast in Rajouri’s Nowshera sector, further accentuating the toll on military personnel.

2022: August and December Marked by Tragedy

• 11 August 2022: Terrorists launched an attack on the Pargal army camp in the Darhal area of Rajouri district, resulting in the martyrdom of five jawans. Swift action by the army also led to the neutralization of two suicide bombers.
• 18 December 2022: The menace persisted as two civilians fell victim to a terrorist attack outside Alpha Gate in Rajouri, marking yet another dark chapter.

2023: Escalating Toll with Ten Jawans Martyred

• 1 January 2023: A tragic incident unfolded in Rajouri’s Dangri village, where seven individuals from the minority community lost their lives in firing by two foreign terrorists and an improvised explosive device (IED) blast. Shockingly, two minors were also implicated in the attack.
• 20 April 2023: Terrorists targeted security forces in the Bhatta Durian area of Mendhar taluk in Poonch, resulting in the martyrdom of five army personnel and injuring one jawan.
• 5 May 2023: In Kandi, Rajouri, terrorists executed an IED blast, claiming the lives of five Army para commandos and inflicting injuries on a major.
• 18 July 2023: Security forces countered a grave threat as they eliminated four Pakistani terrorists in the Sindhara Top area of Surankot taluk in Poonch district, demonstrating the ongoing challenges faced in safeguarding the region’s security.