The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Jammu on Wednesday morning to personally evaluate the situation prevailing in the Rajouri-Poonch region following the recent ambush that claimed the lives of four soldiers in Dera Ki Gali, Rajouri district.

An unnamed official, quoted by the news agency KNO, said that Singh, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, was received by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha upon their arrival.

After landing in Jammu, the Defence Minister, along with senior officials, left for Rajouri to assess the ongoing anti-terror operation and the security landscape in the area.

Rajnath Singh urges amiable relationship with civilians

Meanwhile, during his visit to Rajouri, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of maintaining harmonious relations between the military and the civilian populace.

Addressing soldiers during his interaction, Singh underscored the importance of avoiding civilian casualties during counter-militancy operations and acknowledged the pivotal role of soldiers in combating militancy.

He reassured the soldiers, stating, "Every soldier is part of our family; your efforts are instrumental in winning battles and eradicating militancy. We will endeavour to win the hearts of all citizens. You (soldiers) all have a huge responsibility on your shoulders, and for that, we will always be grateful to you."

However, amidst these deliberations, the region continues to grapple with the suspension of mobile internet services.

Farooq Abdullah expresses doubts ahead of Rajnath Singh's visit

In a contrasting perspective, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah expressed scepticism regarding Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Jammu, particularly in addressing recent incidents, such as the civilian deaths in Poonch.

Speaking in Kulgam, Abdullah stated, "I have no expectations from his visit. Can he bring back the dead? Does he have that power? But he can do this much that such injustice is not repeated."

Abdullah expressed his anticipation for the Defence Minister to offer solace to the affected families. Additionally, he touched upon the need for talks between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to ensure friendly relations between the two nations.

While addressing concerns about the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine, Abdullah highlighted the criticality of international intervention for the cessation of conflicts and the desire for peaceful resolutions.

SRINAGAR — Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande arrived in Jammu to evaluate the security scenario following the ambush that claimed four soldiers' lives in Poonch district. Accompanied by senior officers, Pande visited Poonch to oversee intensified anti-militant operations in the area.

The visit aimed to gauge the existing security situation, with the COAS engaging directly with ground commanders.

Pande emphasized the need for professionalism in operations, urging steadfastness against all challenges during interactions with military officials.

Tensions escalated following the civilian casualties, prompting authorities to suspend internet services in Rajouri and Poonch districts to prevent exacerbation of the situation and curb the spread of unverified information.

JAMMU — In response to the anguish among civilians following the death of three civilians, the army took action on Sunday by relocating a Brigadier-level officer and three other officers from their duties in Surankote, Poonch. This move comes amidst contemplation of disciplinary measures after internal investigations, as reported by Daily Excelsior.

Brigadier Padam Acharya, serving as the Brigade Commander of the Rashtriya Rifles, has been relieved of command, alongside three senior army officers, following the unfortunate demise of three civilians and injuries to approximately 10 others.

The army, while not officially confirming these changes, assured that the condition of the 10 injured civilians admitted to Surankote and Poonch hospitals remains stable. Officials further mentioned that medical professionals are diligently attending to the injured individuals, who are steadily responding to treatment.

Meanwhile, local police have initiated a First Information Report (FIR) to delve deeper into the circumstances leading to the civilian fatalities.

Expressing concern, officials noted the profound distress among a specific community, historically active in supporting anti-militancy efforts by collaborating closely with the army, paramilitary forces, and police. The recent tragic events have deeply affected this community, known for its unwavering support during times of heightened conflict, officials emphasized.

The army has commenced a comprehensive internal inquiry into the deaths of the three civilians, responding to allegations that their demise occurred while in army custody.

These civilians, along with others, were reportedly taken in for questioning following the ambush that claimed the lives of four army jawans by unidentified militants in Poonch on December 21. Their deaths under mysterious circumstances on the same evening have raised critical questions, prompting the standard operating procedure to launch a thorough investigation, sources confirmed.

Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Police are conducting their investigation into these fatalities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the army reiterated its commitment to provide complete support and cooperation in the ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, the civil administration has announced compensations and assured compassionate appointments for the families of the deceased.

Amidst these developments, Army Chief General Manoj Pande is scheduled to visit Jammu today to evaluate the security scenario, particularly in the aftermath of the Dera Ki Gali encounter in Poonch district.

Gen Pande's itinerary includes a visit to the site of the recent attack at Dera Ki Gali. This area has been under intensive search and cordon operations for the past five days, involving army personnel, para commandos, paramilitary forces, and police, aiming to track down three to four militants involved in the attack.

With nearly 30 militants reportedly hiding in the hills, natural caves, and forests across the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, the army headquarters is closely monitoring the situation. Sources suggest that General Pande will assess the situation at Nagrota Corps Headquarters, along with top army commanders, to strategize heightened operations aimed at eliminating the militans.

The upcoming changes in the Nagrota Corps leadership and the anticipated visit of a Defence Ministry team to Rajouri and Poonch districts signify the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the recent surge in militant activities.

Concurrently, extensive search and cordon operations persist in the upper reaches, forests, and other vulnerable areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts. The joint efforts of the army, para commandos, paramilitary forces, and police, supplemented by the support of local residents, continue in the pursuit of militants.

In solemn tribute, a wreath-laying ceremony was held on Sunday in Rajouri for the four soldiers who fell victim to the militants' ambush in Dera Ki Gali. The suspended mobile internet services in the twin districts persist for the third consecutive day.

At the ceremony led by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, homage was paid to Naik Birender Singh, Naik Karan Kumar, Rifleman Gautam Kumar, and Rifleman Chandan Kumar. Their mortal remains, belonging to Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, were honoured and subsequently transported to their respective hometowns, as reported by Daily Excelsior.

Lt Gen Dwivedi also extended condolences and support to the families of the deceased soldiers during the ceremony. The solemn event witnessed the presence of officials such as General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri Amritpal Singh, and numerous army personnel, all paying their respects.

SRINAGAR — In response to the recent militant attack resulting in the loss of five soldiers in the Surankote area of Poonch district, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande is expected to undertake a visit to Jammu tomorrow.

Sources have indicated that General Manoj Pande will lead a high-level delegation to assess and address the aftermath of the deadly militant attack that occurred on Thursday along the DKG-Buffliaz road. The attack resulted in the loss of at least five army personnel, while several others are currently receiving medical treatment.

According to a top official quoted by a local news agency, the impending visit of the army chief carries significant weight, signalling a keen focus on the security situation along the border. The visit is anticipated to encompass a comprehensive review aimed at bolstering the security apparatus in the region.

"The visit of the army chief holds much significance and the security apparatus along the border may see an overall overhaul for coming times," the official stated.

SRINAGAR — The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is stable yet unpredictable, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said on Thursday, adding that India has ramped up infrastructure development along the border and deployed adequate troops and equipment deployed to deal with any contingency.

Addressing the media ahead of the Army Day on January 15, Gen Pande said both countries have been able to resolve five of the seven issues along the LAC and continue to hold talks at the military and diplomatic levels.

Talking about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Line of Control (LoC), Gen Pande said the ceasefire agreement that Pakistan signed in February 2021 is holding well with a significant reduction noticed in violence parameters. He, however, added that cross-border support to militancy and militant infrastructure continues to remain an issue and this is more noticeable in areas south of the Pir Panjal range.

In the eastern sector, he said, there has been a slight increase in the deployment of Chinese troops, but the Indian Army soldiers, including reserves, have been adequately deployed there to take care of any situation.

Gen Pande said, in the same context, Indian soldiers deployed along the LAC have been able to prevent any attempts by the adversary to unilaterally change the status quo. He added the Indian Army is closely watching the situation in Doklam and monitoring Chinese activities there.

The Indian Army chief also emphasized the infrastructure development carried out by India along the LAC comprising roads, bridges, tunnels as well as heated shelters and habitats for its troops. He said Rs 1,300 crore has been spent on building infrastructure, including habitat, in eastern Ladakh in recent months.

SRINAGAR — Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh is likely to arrive for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, sources said.

They told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on a two-day visit from Thursday to review the ground situation. Army Chief General Manoj Pande and other top Army officials will accompany him during this visit.

Singh will review the overall security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir with the top military brass, sources said.

The sources said senior Army officials would brief the Defence Minister about the overall situation in the Valley, including counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Defence Minister will also visit Jammu apart from Kashmir Valley.