Shubhangi Chauhan, Pune
Four brave army soldiers, including an officer, were killed in a terror encounter in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian National Congress, on July 16 criticized Modi Government for lack of action and questioned the techniques and strategies of security in Jammu and Kashmir. Stating to The Hindustan Times, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said that “there have been 11 terror attacks in the last 78 days in Jammu alone”.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the terror attacks that have affected Jammu and Kashmir in the past 36 days, need major changes in the security strategy. The latest incident comes a week after a terrorist trap on an Army patrol in the remote Machedi forest belt in Kathua district that led to the lives of five soldiers and injured as many.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tributes to the martyrs and expressed their condolences to the grieving families. Gandhi’s remarks highlighted a broader critique of the BJP’s handling of national security and its policies in Jammu and Kashmir. “The government’s aggressive viewpoint and lack of logical strategy have only fueled disruption in the region. Instead of ensuring safety and stability, these policies have put our brave soldiers in harm’s way,” he added.
This incident has raised a debate over the BJP’s approach to terrorism and revolt in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that while security operations are important, a balanced approach involving dialogue and development is also crucial for long-term peace. BJP, on its part, defended its policies, claiming that vigorous action against militants is necessary to safeguard national integrity. Party spokespersons recalled their commitment to eliminating terrorism and maintaining law and order in the region.
Pakistan-supported group The Kashmir Tigers linked with the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), have claimed responsibility for the Doda encounter, the same group involved in the attack on an Indian Army convoy in Kathua on July 9. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inspected the situation, and the search operation to neutralize the terrorists in Doda is underway.