- 11 soldiers attained martyrdom, 7 civilians & 7 terrorists killed since January.
- High-level security review meeting co-chaired by GOC 16 Corps & DGP
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, November 25: The loss of five soldiers, including two Captains and a JCO, in an anti-terror operation ‘Operation Solki’ in Kalakot subdivision of Rajouri district on November 23 & 24, is a matter of concerns for Police, Security Forces & intelligence agencies (IAs) in both the border districts of Rajouri & Poonch especially in Rajouri district.
The concern was also expressed by Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen U Upendra Dwivedi when on the sideline of the wreath-laying ceremony he said that at least 20 -25 terrorists are operating in both the districts.
He admitted that the area (Pir Panjal) has become a hub of terror and time will take to root out terrorism from the region.
After a gap of about 15 years, district Rajouri has witnessed spurt in terror activities & several encounters with terrorists took place during the current year.
Since January 1st, Rajouri district has witnessed three major terror attacks. On January 1st & 2nd suspected terrorists struck in village Dhangri and killed seven persons, including two minor cousins Samiksha & Vihan, in firing and IED explosion.
On May 5, terrorists in an ambush triggered an IED in a forest in Kandi area of Koteranka subdivision in which five soldiers attained martyrdom including four Para Commandos.
On November 24 & 25 in an encounter with terrorists in Bajimaal area in Kalakot subdivision (Op Solki) 5 soldiers attained martyrdom, including 2 Captains, JCO, Lance Naik and Paratrooper.
Since January, 11 soldiers martyred, seven civilians and seven terrorists were killed in militancy related incidents in Rajouri district.
One of the biggest challenges Security Forces are facing is the hilly terrain with dense forests where the terrorists hide themselves in natural caves.
Moreover, the terrorists have changed their modus operandi. Now instead for direct face off with SFs they are inflicting fatal injuries by ambushing the troops.
To counter the prevailing situation in Rajouri-Poonch districts and in the aftermath of martyrdom of 5 soldiers in Kalakot area, a high-level security review meeting was co-chaired by General Officer Commanding (GOC) GOC 16 Corps, Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain and Director General of Police, R R Swain.
White Knight Corps in a X (earlier Tweet) said: The meeting was attended by senior officers of CRPF, intelligence agencies, and JKP along with senior Army officials. Matters pertaining to the security situation, sharing of intelligence and synergy in the Jammu region were discussed and deliberated during the meeting,”.
