In Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, an encounter between security forces and terrorists resulted in the death of a soldier and one terrorist. The operation continues as the situation remains tense.
Encounter Details
On Tuesday, specific intelligence about terrorist presence in the Kowut area of Kupwara led to a joint search operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. The operation, which started on July 23, aimed to neutralize the threat in the region.
The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps stated that on July 24, vigilant troops noticed suspicious movement. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately, leading to a gunfight. One terrorist was killed in the exchange, and a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) was injured.
Soldier’s Sacrifice
The injured NCO, who sustained serious injuries during the encounter, succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday. This loss follows another tragic incident on Tuesday, when Lance Naik Subhash Chander was killed in an infiltration attempt in the Battal area of the KG sector in Mendhar Tehsil, Poonch district. He was injured in the gunfight and later died from his injuries.
Ongoing Operation
The encounter in Kupwara is still active, with security forces continuing their efforts to secure the area. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police are maintaining a strong presence to prevent further terrorist activities.
Rising Terror Attacks
There has been an increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently. In response, the Indian Army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers, including elite Para Commandos and troops trained in mountain warfare, to the hilly areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Reasi, and Kathua districts.
Similar Incident in Battal Sector
In a related incident on Tuesday, a soldier injured during an exchange of fire in the Battal sector also succumbed to his injuries. The White Knight Corps honored Lance Naik Subhash Chander, acknowledging his sacrifice and extending condolences to his family. The soldier was injured while foiling an infiltration bid by effectively engaging terrorists in the Battal Sector of Jammu.
Spike in Terror Attacks
The Jammu region, which had been relatively peaceful from 2005 to 2021, has seen a spike in terror attacks in recent months. This resurgence began in October 2021, particularly in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Deadly attacks have since spread to Reasi, Kathua, and Doda. Security establishments attribute these attacks to attempts by Pakistani handlers to revive terrorism in the Jammu region.
Over 70 people, including 52 security personnel, mostly from the Army, have been killed in terror-related incidents in the Jammu region since 2021. This spike in violence underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains volatile, with security forces engaged in ongoing operations to counter terrorist threats. The recent encounters highlight the persistent risks and the bravery of the soldiers who continue to protect the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
