In a concerning update regarding J&K encounter, at least 5 army soldiers were martyred in an encounter in J&K’s Poonch. The gunfight between the J&K security personnel and the militants occurred amid increasing terror activities in the valley in the last couple of weeks. Reportedly, the encounter was initiated after the personnel received intelligence inputs on presence of militants. Reportedly, the operation is still ongoing.
This comes after targeted murders of people belonging to Hindu communities were reported in the valley with at least 7 murders in the last week.
Details
The smell of gunpowder and sight of gun smoke is again evident in the air of Jammu and Kashmir. The 2021 year has recorded terror activities in the valley, sending waves of fear across the country. Earlier this year, the Indian Air Force’s airbase was attacked by drone explosions. In the next month, J&K special police officer was killed along with his daughter and wife by militants.
Recently, the valley recorded as many as 7 deaths in just a week where a local businessman, street-food vendor, school principal and others were victim of targeted killings.
The Facts of the Matter
On October 11, army personnel and security personnel of the J&K security forces succumbed to their injuries following an encounter. The persons who were martyred are – a Joint Commission Officer, and army personnel. The incident was reported from the Poonch district.
Forces Receives Intelligence Inputs – Gunfight Ensues
According to reports, the army personnel initiated the encounter after it received intelligence inputs from reliable sources on presence of militants. Following the tip-off, the security forces initiated a the search operation. The forces met with resistance and soon a gun-fight ensued. This led to army personnel being critically injured and then succumbing to their injuries.
Also Read: Aryan Khan Bail Rejected in Cruise Ship Drug Bust Case, Aryan and 2 Other Accused to Stay in Jail
Search and Cordon Rescue Was Initiated: Defence PRO
The forces have started the Cordon and Search operation against the militants and some terrorists are still believed to be exchanging the fire. The incident was also confirmed by Defence Public Relations Office (Jammu) which was quoted saying, “Based on intelligence inputs, today morning Indian Army has launched a Cordon and Search operation in villages close to Dera Ki Gali (DKG) in Surankote jurisdiction of district Poonch.”
The Defence PRO (Jammu’s) Lt. Colonel Devendar Anand also added that the jawans who were critically injured were rushed to the nearest hospital. However, during the treatment, they succumbed to the injuries.
The Recent Poonch Encounters
It should be noted that Poonch district has witnessed terror related activities in the past as well owing to the fact that it’s along the Line of Control. Earlier this year in August, the security forces busted a militant hideout in Poonch’s Mendher region.
The security forces found an cache of weapons, enough to last for the first few days of a war. This included 2 AK 47 rifles, 4 magazines, 1 Chinese pistol, 10 magazines, 4 grenades, 4 detonators, 16-meter cordex, over 250 rounds of AK-47 ammunitions, 2 mobile phones, 12 chargers, 2 9-v batteries
7 Kashmiri Citizens Dead in a Week Due To ‘Targeted Killings’
Meanwhile, J&K has also witnessed targeted terror activities in the past week where at least 7 Kashmiri citizens were killed. Reportedly, most of the targets were ‘targeted’ on the basis of their religious communities.
