Incident of Firing Triggers Search Operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch District
Jammu and Kashmir, [Current Date] – An incident of firing in Poonch district has prompted security forces to launch a search operation, according to statements from defense officials on Friday.
The reported firing occurred in the Dhara Dhullian area within the Lower Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch, targeting a convoy of security force vehicles. Initial reports suggest that terrorists may have escaped following an exchange of gunfire, with no reported injuries at this time.
“At around 1800 today, a security forces convoy of vehicles was fired upon by suspected terrorists from a jungle near Krishna Ghati (in) Poonch sector. No casualties to own troops. Joint search operations by Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Army in progress,” stated the Army.
Details of the incident are currently being ascertained, according to a defense spokesperson.
This incident follows a recent ambush on two army vehicles in Dhatyar Morh of Surankote in December, resulting in four soldiers dead and three injured. The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility for the December attack.
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the anti-terror operational plan for 2024 in light of the prevailing security situation in Jammu. All stakeholders expressed commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at eradicating terrorism in the Poonch–Rajouri region during the meeting.
Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande addressed the concerning security situation in the Rajouri-Poonch region, emphasizing increased troop deployment, intelligence efforts, and community outreach to contain terrorist activities.
The Army Chief highlighted a recent surge in terrorist activities in the Rajouri-Poonch region over the past five to six months, despite peace prevailing in the area from 2003 until 2017-18.
In 2023, 19 soldiers lost their lives in four terrorist attacks in Rajouri and Poonch. Security forces have encountered over 30 terrorists in both districts, along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland.
Recent recoveries include four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) fitted in tiffin boxes and AK series assault rifle bullets in Rajouri district. Additionally, security forces seized 2.5 kg of narcotics near the LoC in Poonch.
[With contributions from various bureaus and agencies]