Anwesha Dash, Pune
In Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, an army of security forces was attacked by terrorists on Monday night. Out of five of the soldiers injured, four succumbed to their injuries, which includes a Major rank army personnel as well. Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist organization, Kashmir Tigers, claims responsibility for the attack.
As per sources, the security forces were carrying out a search party in the Desa forests where the terrorists were hiding. The illegal militia lay ambush in the forests and opened fire at the soldiers, after which a gunfight between the two sides ensued for almost half an hour. As a result, five soldiers who were involved in chasing the terrorist were gravely injured and taken to a hospital. But four were killed in action.
In a recent update, Kashmir Tigers which is a terror militia linked with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, lay claim to the attack. The organization sent out a statement explaining the gunfight and how their “Mujahideens” lay in wait in the forest to shoot at the Indian army search party.
But in a shocking twist, the Kashmir Tigers claim that 12 soldiers including a Captain have been killed and 6 injured. They called the Indian army their enemy and accused them of, “[…]trying unsuccessfully to hide his loss which would soon be exposed”. In the same released statement, the terrorist outfit also avows that “This war will continue till the Freedom of Kashmir”.
As per reports, at least 6 terrorists are said to be involved in the attacks, which includes foreign forces as well. A massive-scale operation has been called to search for the terrorists with helicopters and drones deployed. A special task force and other neighboring army units have also been inducted to work in the search party.
This attack was the third encounter between terrorists and the Indian army in the Doda district within a time frame of three weeks. Situated in Jammu, the consequent firefight in Doda is a matter of concern. Along with that, the sudden escalation of terrorist activities in the significantly peaceful Jammu region points to the revival of illegal militia in this half of J&K.
Given the recent security concerns in Jammu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to X (Twitter) to assure the people that he talked with the Chief of Army Staff General to get ground reports on the situation.