Four Terror Attacks in Four Days.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 13, 2024||

JAMMU/DODA: The serene landscape of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir has been transformed into a battleground, witnessing a series of terror incidents that have shaken the region. In the latest clash, security forces engaged terrorists at Kota Top in Gandoh, leaving a police constable injured. This marks the fourth terror incident in Jammu region within the last four days, underscoring a disturbing escalation of violence.

Gandoh Encounter: The Night Unfolds…

At approximately 8:20 PM, a fierce gunfight erupted at Kota Top in the Gandoh area of Doda district. Constable Fareed Ahmed from the Special Operations Group (SOG) Gandoh sustained injuries in the initial exchange of fire. Additional DGP Jammu Zone Anand Jain confirmed the ongoing encounter through a post on X, urging caution as details continued to emerge.

DIG Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range Sridhar Patil IPS revealed that proactive police parties intercepted two to three terrorists in the hilly terrains of Gandoh. “The terrorists might be the same ones involved in the Chattargalla encounter,” Patil speculated. Reinforcements have been dispatched, with operations set to resume at first light.

The Chattargalla Clash: A Deadly Prelude…

The previous night, Chattargalla in Bhaderwah was the site of a bloody encounter where five Army soldiers and a Special Police Officer (SPO) were wounded. The attack has raised alarms about the resurgence of terror activities in the region. Police have released sketches of four terrorists involved in the Chattargalla attack, offering a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for information leading to their capture.

Hiranagar Horror: Terror Strikes Again…

Early today, security forces neutralized a second terrorist at Saida Sukhal in Hiranagar tehsil, Kathua district, following a fierce gun battle. Tragically, a CRPF jawan, Kabir Das Uikey, was martyred in the encounter. His bravery was honored in a wreath-laying ceremony before his body was sent to his native Madhya Pradesh.

The encounter at Saida Sukhal began when villagers reported suspicious activity, leading to a swift police response. Recoveries from the site included an M4 carbine, an assault rifle, Rs. 2.1 lakh in cash, grenades, and Pakistani-made items, confirming the terrorists’ recent infiltration from Pakistan. One of the slain terrorists is suspected to be Rehan Ali of Rawalakote, PoJK.

The Village Hero: Averted Tragedy…

Surinder, a vigilant villager from Saida Sukhal, played a crucial role in averting a potential massacre. Spotting the armed men, he alerted the villagers, leading them to safety. “It could have been catastrophic,” Surinder recounted. His timely warning prevented a major tragedy, highlighting the community’s role in counter-terror operations.

Infiltration Concerns: A Breach in Security…

The infiltration of terrorists across the International Border (IB) raises critical questions about the routes and methods used. Speculations about tunnels dug by Pakistani Rangers add a layer of complexity to the security challenges faced by Indian forces. The recoveries of Pakistani items at the encounter site corroborate these infiltration theories.

Heightened Security and Ongoing Operations…

Security forces remain on high alert, conducting extensive search operations across the region. The Bhadarwah-Pathankot interstate highway has been shut down amid the ongoing search in areas including Chattergalla, Guldandi, and the Kailash mountain range. In Rajouri district’s Kalal area, a cordon and search operation was launched following reports of suspicious movements.

ADGP Anand Jain, overseeing the operations, emphasized the difficulties posed by the region’s challenging terrain. “We are hopeful of neutralizing this group of terrorists soon,” he asserted, underscoring the determination of security forces to restore peace.

A Region on Edge: The Human Toll…

The repeated terror incidents have left an indelible mark on the residents of Jammu region. Villagers, like those in Saida Sukhal, now live in constant fear of further infiltrations. “This area hasn’t seen such incidents in a long time,” lamented Trilok Chand, a local villager, calling for enhanced security measures.

As the security forces continue their operations, the people of Doda and surrounding areas remain vigilant, grappling with the terror that has invaded their lives. The government’s commitment to ensuring safety is unwavering, but the path to peace is fraught with challenges and the ever-present shadow of terrorism.