Jammu and Kashmir: Army Chief Reviews Security Situation in Rajouri-Poonch Sector Following Recent Terrorist Ambush

Jammu, 25th December 2023: Army Chief General Manoj Pande arrived in Jammu on Monday, embarking on a visit to the Rajouri-Poonch sector to assess the prevailing security situation.

Accompanied by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, and Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, the high-ranking officials, along with senior civil administration and police officers, are actively engaged in anti-terrorist operations and law and order surveillance in the Rajouri and Poonch districts.

In response to the recent terrorist ambush and attack on army vehicles at Dhatyar turn between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz in Surankote, where four soldiers lost their lives, a massive search operation is underway in the Surankote and Thanamandi forests of Rajouri district. The army is intensively combing the area near the incident site to trace and neutralize the terrorists responsible for the attack.

Following the ambush, the army has reportedly detained several individuals for questioning, including three civilians aged 27 to 42. Unfortunately, these three civilians succumbed while in custody on December 22. This development led to the suspension of internet services in the region in the early hours of Saturday.

In response to the tragic deaths of the three civilians, the Jammu and Kashmir administration announced compensation and jobs for their families. The army has initiated a thorough internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the civilians’ deaths, committing full support and cooperation to the investigative process.

The Rajouri-Poonch sector, specifically the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles area, has witnessed two to three major attacks in recent times. In anticipation of a high-level Defence Ministry officials’ visit this week, the army aims to provide detailed briefings on the ground situation and the proactive measures taken to counter the recent surge of Pakistani terrorists in the region.

Simultaneously, the Indian Army is reinforcing its preparations along the Line of Control and the International Border, where infiltrations by these terrorists from Pakistan are a growing concern. The concerted efforts aim to fortify India’s borders and thwart any potential threats posed by cross-border infiltrators.

As General Manoj Pande leads the strategic review in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, the army remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety and security of the region. The ongoing operations and heightened security measures underscore the unwavering determination to counter any challenges to national security.