||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh July 19,2024 ||

Jammu : The serenity of Jaddan Bata village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district was shattered early Thursday morning as a fierce gunfight erupted between security forces and terrorists, leaving two army personnel injured. The intense clash, lasting more than an hour, was a dramatic testament to the unyielding efforts of the Indian Army to quell insurgency in the region despite daunting weather and rugged terrain.

The confrontation began around 2 am when terrorists launched an assault on a temporary security camp established within a government school. This camp was pivotal for the ongoing search operations aimed at flushing out terrorists from the dense forests of Kastigarh. As bullets flew and the night was pierced by the sounds of combat, the bravery of the security personnel in the face of such adversity was palpable.

A Night of Uncertainty Near the LoC:

In a separate incident that underscores the heightened alert along the border, security forces stationed at a forward post in the Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district opened fire late Wednesday night after detecting suspicious movement near the Line of Control (LoC). Despite an exhaustive search in the area on Thursday morning, no trace of the suspected infiltration was found, highlighting the ever-present tension and vigilance required in these volatile zones.

A Deadly Trail of Terror in Doda:

The Doda district has been a hotbed of activity for security forces, particularly following the tragic loss of four army personnel, including a captain, in the Desa forests during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. This recent uptick in violence has sparked an extensive search operation aimed at eradicating terrorist threats and restoring peace.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Doda-Kishtwar, Ramban range, Shridhar Patil, emphasized the ongoing efforts in a statement to reporters in Kastigarh. “All security forces on the ground are engaged in a well-coordinated operation against terrorists with whom we had contact yesterday and today as well. The operation is under progress and we will get success soon,” he asserted, while refraining from divulging further details due to the sensitive nature of the operation.

Battling Elements and Enemies:

The operation, now in its fourth day, has been significantly hampered by heavy rains and dense fog, which have made the dense forest terrain even more treacherous. Yet, the determination of the security forces remains unshaken. The terrorists, believed to be the same group responsible for the earlier killings, managed to flee deeper into the forest after the initial attack on the school camp.

Brief exchanges of fire were reported in the Desa forests on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, adding to the already tense atmosphere. The district of Doda, once cleared of terrorism in 2005, has seen a resurgence of violent attacks since mid-June. Notably, six security personnel were injured in a terror attack at Chattergala pass on June 12, followed by a firefight in Gandoh the next day, which resulted in one policeman being injured.

Rising Toll and Continued Vigilance:

The month of June also witnessed a significant clash in the Gandoh area, where three terrorists were killed in a day-long operation on June 26. Further encounters have kept the district on edge, including a notable incident in the Ghadi Bhagwah forest on July 9. The cumulative toll of violence in the region since the start of the year has been stark, with 27 individuals, including 11 security personnel, a village defense guard, and five terrorists, losing their lives in nearly a dozen attacks across six districts of Jammu province.

Adding to the tragedy, seven pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district were among the casualties in this relentless wave of terror.

A Resolute Stand:

The resilience and bravery of the Indian Army and security forces continue to shine through these challenging times. As the massive search operations press on in the rugged landscapes of Doda and beyond, the resolve to restore peace and eliminate the terrorist threat remains steadfast.

“The operation is in progress and we will soon be successful,” reiterated DIG Shridhar Patil, embodying the unwavering spirit of the forces on the ground. Despite the inclement weather and difficult terrain, their commitment to safeguarding the region and its people remains a beacon of hope amid the ongoing strife.