The Kashmir Pulse

JAMMU — A soldier was killed in the line of duty as the army thwarted an infiltration bid by militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu's Poonch district early Tuesday, the latest in a string of militant attacks in the region.

Lance Naik Subash Kumar was injured in the intense gunfight and later succumbed, said officials, adding militants too suffered "loss".

“All Ranks of White Knight Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart L/Nk Subhash Chander who laid down his life in the line of duty. White Knight Corps offers deepest condolences and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” army in a post on X confirmed, as per the news agency KNO.

Officials said that a post-mortem has been conducted and the soldier's body handed over to the army. A search operation has been launched in the area, the officials said.

Earlier, the army in a post on X said, “Alert troops foiled an infiltration bid by effectively engaging infiltrating terrorists … in the Battal sector of Krishna Ghati at 0300 hours. During the exchange of heavy fire, one braveheart was injured, who later succumbed.”

There has been a spurt in militant activities in Jammu in recent months, raising fears about the revival of militancy in the region.

Yesterday, alert soldiers thwarted a major militant attack on a home of gallantry soldier’s in Budhal -Khawas area of Rajouri, an official said. "As per details, militants opened fire at one of temporary army posts, which was operational near the house of a VDG member Parshotam Kumar, a Village Defence Guard (VDG) member in Gundha - a remote village of Rajouri district at around 0310 hours and the fire was promptly retaliated by security personnel," official said.

He added, “The attack was given appropriate retaliation by alert security personnel.” Sources said that an army trooper was injured in a brief exchange of fire between militants and hospitalized, but there has been no official confirmation on the same.

This attack follows two high-level meetings chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Jammu on Saturday, where they reviewed the security situation in response to the recent surge in militant attacks in the region.

According to sources, security forces initiated a cordon and search operation in a village in the Budhal area of Rajouri district after suspected militants opened fire at a security picket early in the morning.

This incident follows another attempted militant attack on a Territorial Army (TA) battalion post in Galuti Patrara village of Manjakote, Rajouri district, on July 7. An Army sentry deployed at the post sustained injuries during the initial exchange of gunfire, which lasted for half an hour on Sunday morning.

POONCH — Indian army troops foiled an infiltration attempt by suspected militants in the Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Tuesday, officials said.

A soldier was injured during the exchange of fire, the army said in a statement posted on social media.

Taking on to the micro-blogging platform X, the army spokesperson wrote, "Alert troops foiled an infiltration bid by effectively engaging infiltrating terrorists with effective fire in the Battal Sector at 0300h. During the exchange of heavy fire, one braveheart has been injured."

The operation, according to the statement, is going on.

It is in place to mention here that repeated militant attacks in the Jammu region have created a challenging situation for both the LG-led UT administration as well as the Union government.

POONCH — Five soldiers were injured after militants opened fire on two security forces' vehicles in Jammu's Poonch district on Saturday.

Reliable sources quoted by a local news agency said that at least five soldiers were injured after militants opened fire on two of their vehicles, including one belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Poonch district.

They said that a unit of the Rashtriya Rifles has begun cordon and search operations in the area.

Meanwhile, the vehicles have been secured inside the air base in the general area near Shahsitar.

SRINAGAR — Several persons, part of two separate gangs, have been arrested after police found them engaged in a fight over an internal dispute with regard to online scammed money in Poonch, an official said.

The official told the news agency GNS that two gangs from Dogria and Buffliaz areas in Surankote in Poonch district were fighting each other over online money scammed through 'Telegram' (an instant messaging service).

The two groups, the official said, are actively involved in scamming and drug peddling activities.

"After receiving information about the fight between the rival groups, a police team reached the spot and arrested members of both gangs for necessary action," the official said.

Confirming it, a police officer said that an FIR has been registered in this regard under relevant sections for further proceedings.

POONCH — Tragedy struck in Poonch district as a family dispute escalated into a fatal altercation, resulting in the death of a nephew allegedly shot by his uncle using a licensed 12-bore rifle.

According to officials quoted by a local news agency, the incident occurred during the night between Friday and Saturday. Joginder Singh, son of Jodh Singh, reportedly opened fire with his licensed firearm, fatally shooting his nephew Gagandeep Singh on the spot.

"The situation unfolded amidst a clash between two factions within the family, sparked by an ongoing dispute," stated an official familiar with the matter.

Law enforcement authorities have swiftly responded to the incident. A police official said that the accused has been apprehended, and the weapon allegedly used in the shooting has been seized for further investigation.

POONCH — Authorities in Poonch district found an unidentified male body on Monday, according to a report from a local news agency.

The body was recovered from the riverside near a B.Ed college in Poonch, as confirmed by an official. Following the recovery, the body was promptly transferred to District Hospital Poonch for further examination and identification procedures.

Efforts to ascertain the identity of the deceased are currently underway. The official did not provide any additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body.

POONCH — Indian Army personnel engaged a Pakistani drone near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Wednesday, firing multiple shots to thwart its incursion, according to official sources.

Official sources quoted by a local news agency disclosed that the movement of an unidentified drone originating from across the border was detected near the Topi Post and Parvinder Post along the Line of Control in the Mendhar sector. Responding swiftly, troops stationed along the LoC discharged several rounds, compelling the drone to retreat to Pakistani territory.

The ongoing operation involves a search effort in the affected area to ensure security and ascertain any potential threats.

It is notable that the Jammu and Kashmir Police recently announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for individuals providing information leading to the interception of drones deployed from across the border for illicit purposes, including the transportation of narcotics, arms, or explosives.

SRINAGAR — Dr Shehnaz Ganie, the former member of the Legislative Council in Jammu and Kashmir who hails from Poonch, joined Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), on Monday.

Reports said that Shehnaz Ganie was currently in New Delhi and had already met several top-notch BJP leaders.

Dr Shehnaz Ganie told the news agency KNT that BJP National Secretary Tarun Chug and a Union Minister were present when she formally announced her joining the party in New Delhi.

“BJP does what it says. This party has fulfilled all the promises it made to the people. It gave Pahari Status to the deprived class. BJP worked for the safety of women and the welfare of people all across the country,” she said.

In response to a question, Dr Shehnaz Ganie said that it is a futile exercise to talk about Article 370. “I believe after the Supreme Court verdict, the chapter is closed now. Those political parties who still rake up this issue are agendaless and have nothing to offer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr Shehnaz Ganie said.

National Conference had inducted her as a member of the legislative council and in 2019, she quit the party for the reasons better known to her.

“She left our party over five years ago. It’s wrong to connect with us,” said a National Conference leader, adding that she has nothing to do with the National Conference.

POONCH — Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in the Surankote area of Poonch district on Friday afternoon.

According to reliable sources, a joint team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surankote and the Indian Army's 16 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) conducted the operation in the Sangla Khoni Nahalla area, falling under the jurisdiction of the Surankote Police Station.

The recovered items included a Motor (type unspecified), three Motor shells, a Pistol and five Pistol rounds.

The seized arms and ammunition were brought to the Surankote Police Station for further investigation and analysis. Authorities haven't yet commented on the potential origin or intended use of the seized materials.

POONCH — A soldier was killed while another sustained injuries after a vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident in Poonch district.

An official told the news agency KNO that an army vehicle plunged into a gorge at Kassalyan area of Poonch, resulting in injuries to two soldiers, who were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

However, one among the soldiers later succumbed to his injuries, officials said, adding that the other injured soldier is undergoing treatment.

SRINAGAR — In a targeted assault on Friday evening, militants attacked an army vehicle in the Khanetar area of Poonch district within the Jammu division, according to a top unnamed official quoted by a local news agency.

The assailants fired upon the army convoy, resulting in no reported injuries or damages, as confirmed by the official. Swiftly responding to the incident, security forces have cordoned off the area in a concerted effort to apprehend the attackers.

The attempted assault highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in the region, prompting heightened vigilance among the military and law enforcement agencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Further details about the incident are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds.

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir’s Police chief R R Swain on Saturday said that foreign militants are getting some support from “our territory” and the police was mindful of the security situation in the region.

Addressing the year-end press conference in Jammu, DGP Swain, as per the news agency KNO, said that he has already admitted that there is a security situation in Rajouri-Poonch region. “There are foreign fighters who have some support coming from our territory. Their (those supporting foreign militants) number is very, very limited,” he said.

He added, “The foreign fighters hide in houses with the result that information flow is less. They hide in caves, jungles and wilderness.”

As far as the counter-strategy is concerned, DGP Swain said that the same can’t be discussed before the media. “We have discussed the issue and strategy at the top level. We will effectively deal with it,” he said.

Recently, four soldiers were killed and two others injured in Poonch district of Jammu when heavily armed militants attacked an army vehicle at Dera Ki Gali. After the incident, many civilians were taken for questioning and three civilians allegedly died in army custody which triggered a massive public outcry.

The incident had forced army chief General Manoj Pande and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit the area to calm the nerves. Union Minister Singh visited the hospital to meet the civilians allegedly tortured and also the families of three slain civilians. He assured them that justice will be delivered.

To a query that PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has alleged that she wasn’t allowed to meet the families of three slain in Poonch, DGP Swain said that the job of the police is to ensure that the visit is not leveraged in a malicious manner.

Replying to a query about whether Rajouri-Poonch region was going back to what it was between 1997 to 2003, the DGP said that police are mindful and that there is a gap between the past and present situation. “We will fill this gap…,” he said.

8000 fake social media handles identified in J&K: DGP Swain

J&K Police wasn’t fighting against the gun-wielding militants only but also the false narrative being spread by almost 8000 fake social media handlers sitting across with an aim to incite trouble and glorify terrorism, Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain said.

“Our battle is not against terrorists only but against the narrative which is being spread by 8000 fake social media handles—Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Their handlers are sitting across and their aim is to incite trouble and glorify terrorism. They peddle wrong information. We are acting against them under the ambit of law after differentiating the genuine and not-genuine,” he said.

He added, “We will act against them under IT Act 61. If the need arises, we will catch hold of them through Interpol.”

The year 2024 will witness a decisive battle against narco-terror. “The links between narco-terror, separatism and terrorism was already nailed in 2022,” he said.

He added, “Links of narco-terrorism have been found in Kashmir to Jammu to Punjab and Delhi. Other links including the handlers were traced in Paris, Canada and Turkey. In the recent case of the Ramban narco-terror module, the mastermind was traced in Turkey.”

DGP Swain said that police are mindful of cybercrime and the fact is that this crime is going under-reported and affecting more people than what police actually knows.

“We are upgrading the system and lot more needs to be done to prevent cybercrimes," he said, adding that a large amount was traced and given back to the people who were cheated through internet fraud and digital world frauds.

SRINAGAR — Authorities on Friday restored mobile internet services in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch after a week, officials said.

They said the services were snapped a week ago as a preventive measure after militants attacked an army vehicle in Bafliaz Poonch which left four soldiers dead and many injured.

"The mobile internet services in Rajouri and Poonch districts have been restored on Friday afternoon," officials said.

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 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu on Wednesday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the killing of four soldiers in an ambush on an army vehicle in Rajouri district this week and the death of three civilians after allegedly being picked up by the army for questioning.

An official told the news agency KNS that Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu tomorrow to review the security situation amid the ongoing anti-militancy operation in Rajouri-Poonch region following the killing of four army soldiers on December 21.

On Monday, Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited Rajouri-Poonch to assess the situation on the ground, where he was briefed by the senior army brass about the ongoing anti-militancy operations and steps taken to further strengthen the security grid.

The army on Monday also attached a Brigade Commander, official sources said. The Brigade Commander of the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles was attached in a formal inquiry related to the death of three civilians.

Army has already ordered a probe into the incident that led to the death of three civilians in Rajouri after the killing of four soldiers in the militant attack on December 21.

Four soldiers were killed in Dera Ki Gali area of Rajouri on December 21 after two army vehicles were ambushed by militants. Following the attack, the army launched a massive anti-militancy operation in Rajouri and Pooch areas.

During the operation, several locals were picked up for questioning, however, three civilians allegedly died and soon after some videos went viral on social media showing civilians being tortured by some men in uniform.

Following the death of civilians, the government ordered a probe into the incident and also announced compensation and jobs to the families of the deceased.

SRINAGAR — Expressing concern over the turmoil in Poonch, the Jammu Muslim Front stressed the need for the army to establish rapport with vulnerable communities affected by violence.

Shuja Zaffar, Chairman of the Jammu Muslim Front, conveyed distress over the tragic loss of both army personnel and civilians in Poonch. In a statement to The Kashmir Pulse, Zaffar emphasized the imperative for the army to cultivate a community-oriented environment and take action against those targeting innocent civilians.

"We appeal to the army top brace to create a public-friendly environment and initiate action against those who target innocent civilians. People living in far-flung areas of Poonch and Rajouri are peace-loving and trust the integrity and discipline of the army," he said.

He further added, "The unfortunate killing of civilians is bound to create a trust deficit. We appeal to people at the helm of affairs to initiate action against those who try to malign the image of the army."

Highlighting the vulnerability of innocent civilians, Zaffar demanded stern action against those responsible for attacks on the army and civilians in the guise of combating militancy.

He expressed hope that the army would extend support to families affected by the recent incidents following militant attacks.

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.

POONCH — Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Vijay Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar visited Poonch today to take stock of the security scenario in the district after the Dera Ki Gali (DKG) encounter in which five army personnel were killed.

Inspector General of Police Anand Jain, DIG Rajouri Poonch Range Dr Haseeb Mughal also accompanied the ADGP.

During the visit, the officers met with civil society delegations and got feedback on a wide range of issues.

Interacting with the locals, the Divisional Commissioner assured local communities of enhanced security arrangements and a revamped plan of action to prevent terror-related incidents in the district.

Further, the Divisional Commissioner assured the residents of fair treatment/compensation to all the victims of terrorism-related events. He assured that the LG administration is committed to maintaining peace and providing a sense of complete security to all districts, especially the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

A detailed discussion on various security-related aspects was conducted with Deputy Commissioner Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary and SSP Poonch Vinay Kumar.

As the discussion ensued, the ADGP (Law and Order) and Div Com issued a slew of instructions to the district administration for stepping up vigil to improve the general security scenario in the district.

Local delegations appreciated the prompt response of the LG administration in tackling issues of a vital security interest in the district and assured their full support to the administration in maintaining peace and tranquillity.