Jammu & Kashmir militant attacks : The volatile region of Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed its fourth militant attack since Sunday, as a fierce gunbattle erupted in Doda and an encounter in Kathua concluded with the deaths of two militants and a CRPF jawan. These incidents underscore the escalating tensions and the persistent threat of militant activities in the area.
Deadly Gunbattles in J&K: Fourth Militant Attack Since Sunday Rocks the Region!
The Kathua Encounter
An overnight gunbattle in Kathua district ended on a grim note, with a CRPF jawan and two militants killed. The militants had taken refuge in a house in Saida village, sparking a confrontation with the security forces. The deceased CRPF constable, identified as Kabir Dass from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, was expecting a posting closer to home.
Details of the Encounter:
- Initiation: The confrontation began when two militants barged into a house, injuring a resident.
- Response: Security forces launched an operation, killing one militant soon after.
- Casualties: The second militant and CRPF jawan Kabir Dass were killed, and police suspected more militants in the area.
The slain militants were believed to have entered Jammu & Kashmir recently through the Hiranagar sector from across the International Border with Pakistan. An array of weaponry and supplies, including an M4 carbine, an AK-47 rifle, live grenades, bullets, and items with Pakistani markings, were seized.
Gunbattle in Doda
Hours after the Kathua encounter, another fierce exchange of fire erupted in Doda district’s Kota Top area near Gandoh. A special police officer (SPO) was injured when a joint team of police and paramilitary forces came under attack. This incident marked the fourth militant attack in Jammu since Sunday.
Details of the Doda Gunbattle:
- Location: Kota Top area near Gandoh.
- Injuries: An SPO was injured in the crossfire.
- Operations: Security forces launched a search operation following an attack on a police and Army outpost in Chattergala, which had injured five soldiers and an SPO.
The proximity of these attacks to tourist destinations and their timing, just before the Amarnath pilgrimage and Assembly elections, indicates a strategic move by militants to create an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Recent Spurt in Militant Attacks
The recent attacks are part of a series of violent incidents that have rattled the region:
- Sunday Attack: Terrorists opened fire on a pilgrim bus in Reasi district’s Pouni area, killing nine people and injuring 38.
- Chattergala Attack: Militants targeted a joint police and Army outpost, injuring five soldiers and an SPO.
Security agencies believe these attacks are intended to signal a militant presence across different parts of the Union Territory, including areas traditionally considered peaceful.
Government and Security Forces’ Response
In response to the escalating violence, security forces have intensified their operations:
- Alert Issued: An alert has been sounded across Jammu province.
- Reinforcements: Additional police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to affected areas.
- Rewards and Sketches: The Jammu and Kashmir Police released a sketch of a militant involved in the Reasi attack and announced a reward for information leading to his capture.
Political Reactions
The surge in militant activities has elicited strong reactions from political leaders:
- Lt Governor Manoj Sinha: Chaired a security review meeting and assured the public that perpetrators would be punished.
- Ghulam Nabi Azad: Expressed concern over the situation, urging strong measures against terrorism.
- Farooq Abdullah: Emphasized the need for an understanding between India and Pakistan to end terrorism.
- Rahul Gandhi: Criticized the government’s handling of security, demanding answers for the recent attacks.
- Jitendra Singh: Suggested that the shift in terrorist focus from Kashmir to Jammu indicates pressure in the valley and affirmed that Jammu’s patriotic residents would resist militant activities.
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Conclusion
The recent string of militant attacks in Jammu & Kashmir highlights the persistent and evolving threat of terrorism in the region. As security forces continue their operations and the political leadership seeks to address the underlying issues, the safety and stability of the region remain paramount. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring peace and security in Jammu & Kashmir.
FAQ on Recent Militant Attacks in Jammu & Kashmir
1. What triggered the recent spate of militant attacks in Jammu & Kashmir?
- The recent attacks are believed to be orchestrated by militants attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and instability in the region. The timing coincides with the upcoming Assembly elections and the Amarnath pilgrimage.
2. How many militant attacks have occurred in Jammu & Kashmir since Sunday?
- There have been four militant attacks in Jammu & Kashmir since Sunday.
3. What happened in the Kathua encounter?
- In Kathua, an overnight gunbattle resulted in the deaths of two militants and a CRPF jawan. The militants had taken refuge in a house in Saida village.
4. Who were the militants involved in the Kathua encounter?
- The militants involved in the Kathua encounter were believed to have recently entered Jammu & Kashmir through the Hiranagar sector from Pakistan.
5. What weapons were recovered from the militants in Kathua?
- Security forces recovered an M4 carbine, an AK-47 rifle, six live grenades, bullets, food and medicines with Pakistan markings, and ₹2 lakh in Indian currency.
6. Who was the CRPF jawan killed in the Kathua encounter?
- The deceased CRPF constable was Kabir Dass, a resident of Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district.
7. What happened in the Doda gunbattle?
- In Doda’s Kota Top area, a gunbattle erupted, injuring a special police officer. The militants targeted a joint team of police and paramilitary forces.
8. What is the significance of the Chattergala attack?
- The Chattergala attack targeted a joint police and Army outpost, injuring five soldiers and an SPO. It led to a search operation that eventually triggered the Doda gunbattle.
9. How are the security forces responding to these attacks?
- Security forces have intensified operations, issued alerts across Jammu province, and deployed reinforcements to affected areas.
10. What is the reaction of local authorities to these attacks?
- Local authorities have condemned the attacks, suspended civilian vehicle movement on certain roads, and initiated comprehensive security reviews.
11. What political reactions have been observed following these attacks?
- Political leaders have expressed concern and called for strong measures against terrorism. There have been criticisms of the government’s handling of security.
12. How has the public reacted to these incidents?
- The public is alarmed by the surge in violence and is urging the government to take effective measures to ensure safety and stability.
13. What measures are being taken to prevent future attacks?
- Increased patrolling, enhanced security checks, and strategic deployment of forces are some measures being taken to prevent future attacks.
14. What impact do these attacks have on the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage?
- The attacks have raised security concerns for the Amarnath pilgrimage, prompting authorities to step up protective measures.
15. Are there any rewards for information on the militants involved?
- Yes, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have announced a reward for fruitful information about the militants involved in these attacks.
16. What did Union Minister Jitendra Singh say about the situation?
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the shift in militant focus from Kashmir to Jammu indicates pressure in the valley, and expressed confidence in the region’s resilience.
17. What did former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad say about the attacks?
- Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed concern over the surge in attacks, calling for urgent measures to address the disruption of peace.
18. What did National Conference president Farooq Abdullah say about terrorism?
- Farooq Abdullah emphasized the need for understanding between India and Pakistan to end terrorism, highlighting the tragedy of innocent people getting killed.
19. What did Congress leader Rahul Gandhi say about the government’s response?
- Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s response, demanding answers for the failure to catch those plotting against the country.
20. What are the security agencies’ views on the recent attacks?
- Security agencies believe the back-to-back attacks are an attempt by militants to show their presence across different areas of Jammu & Kashmir, which were previously considered peaceful.
