Terror Grips J&K’s Poonch Again: One IAF Soldier Slain, 4 Injured in Ambush Ahead of Critical LS Polls”

Recurring Attacks Cast Shadow Ahead of LS Polls”

May 05, 2024

||Black and White Digital News||

Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir — Shock and horror reverberated through the serene landscape of Poonch district as terrorists struck again, claiming the life of an Indian Air Force (IAF) soldier and leaving four others injured in a brazen ambush. This incident, unfolding just weeks before the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency goes to polls, marks a troubling escalation in terrorist activities in the region.The deadly assault occurred on Saturday evening as an IAF convoy, en route to Sanai top in Surankote, fell under attack by a group of four militants armed with AK assault rifles. The militants opened fire on the convoy, targeting IAF vehicles near Shahsitar, inflicting grievous injuries on five security personnel, two of whom are reported to be critically wounded.Tragically, one of the critically injured Air Warriors succumbed to his injuries at a military hospital, adding to the toll of lives lost in this brutal encounter. The intensity of the attack was highlighted by the savage damage inflicted on an IAF truck, which bore the brunt of the assault with multiple bullet impacts on its windscreen and side.Officials suspect the involvement of the same terrorist outfit responsible for the heinous Bufliaz ambush last December, which claimed the lives of four soldiers and injured three others. The haunting recurrence of such atrocities underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist elements operating in the area.In response to this appalling act of violence, reinforcements from the Army and police have swiftly mobilized, launching an extensive search and cordon operation to locate and neutralize the fleeing terrorists believed to have sought refuge in the nearby forests. Despite concerted efforts, authorities have yet to make contact with the perpetrators.The district of Poonch, alongside its neighboring Rajouri, has been a hotbed of terrorist activities in recent years, signaling a troubling resurgence of insurgency in a region that had enjoyed relative peace between 2003 and 2021. This latest incident is part of a grim chronology of terror events that have plagued the Pir Panjal region, including the targeted killings of government employees like Mohd Razaq in Rajouri and village defense guard Mohd Sharief in Udhampur, adding to the mounting toll of innocent lives lost.The Bufliaz ambush of December last year came on the heels of a fierce gunfight in the Dharmsal belt of Bajimaal forest in Rajouri, where five Army personnel, including two captains, were killed. Notorious terrorists, including top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Quari, have been linked to these nefarious activities, orchestrating deadly attacks that have claimed both military and civilian lives.The shadow of terror looms large over the densely forested stretch between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, which has witnessed multiple ambushes and anti-terrorist operations resulting in tragic casualties among our armed forces. The sacrifice of brave soldiers in the face of relentless violence underscores the gravity of the situation, demanding urgent and resolute action to safeguard the region’s security and restore peace.

Here’s a detailed chronology of recent terror events in the Poonch-Rajouri area…

*December 21, Last Year:*

Terrorists ambushed troops in Bufliaz, adjoining Poonch, claiming the lives of four soldiers and injuring three others. This attack raised suspicions of the involvement of the same group responsible for the recent tragedy.

*Previous Attacks:April 22:*

Mohd Razaq, a government employee and brother of an Army personnel, was brutally murdered by terrorists in Rajouri’s Kunda Top.

*April 28: Village defense guard*

Mohd Sharief lost his life in an attack in Udhampur’s Basantgarh area.Notorious Terror Figures: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including suspected Pakistani national Abu Hamza, have been identified in connection with these heinous crimes. Police have issued a substantial reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to their arrest.

**Historical Bloodshed:*

December Last Year:The Bufliaz ambush followed a major gunfight in Rajouri’s Dharmsal belt, resulting in the deaths of five Army personnel, including two captains, and the elimination of top LeT commander Quari.

*April 20 Last Year:*

Five soldiers lost their lives in an ambush between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz.

*May Last Year:*

Another tragic incident in Chamrer forest claimed the lives of five Army personnel and injured a major-rank officer during an anti-terrorist operation.

*Recent Years:2022:*

Five Army personnel were killed in a suicide attack at Pargal in Rajouri’s Darhal area.

*2021: Terror Attack*

Nine soldiers fell victim to two separate attacks in the forested region, highlighting the grim reality faced by our brave defenders.

These chronicles of terror paint a distressing picture of recurring violence that threatens the peace and stability of the region.

As the nation prepares for critical elections, the urgent need to curb terrorism and safeguard our forces is paramount.

The sacrifices of our brave soldiers serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in restoring peace to these troubled lands.

In a startling development, the Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force has claimed responsibility for a recent attack on security forces and issued a chilling warning of more impending assaults. The group, notorious for its militant activities, has escalated tensions in the region and raised concerns about future security challenges.

The claim by the Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force underscores the persistent challenges posed by militancy in the region and highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat extremism and ensure the safety and security of all residents.

As the investigation unfolds and security forces intensify their efforts, the looming specter of terrorism casts a pall over the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, underscoring the imperative of ensuring the safety and democratic rights of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. The resolve to combat terrorism remains unwavering as the nation mourns the loss of yet another valiant defender fallen in the line of duty.