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 — 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.

JAMMU — One militant was killed and another was likely injured in an ongoing gunbattle in the woods of Rajouri, where five men of the elite Special Forces of Army were killed on Friday.

Defence spokesman Lt. Colonel Devender Anand said that one militant was killed while another was likely wounded in the gunfight.

“In the ongoing joint operation in Kandi forest, Rajouri sector by Indian Army in coordination with JKP & CRPF, at approx 0700 hours the cordon while closing in spotted and pinned down the terrorists. In the ensuing gunbattle, one terrorist has been neutralised and one terrorist is likely to be injured,” he said, as per news agency KNO.

He further added that so far huge recoveries have been made in the operation. The recoveries include one AK 56, four magazines of AK, 56 rounds of AK, 1 x 9mm pistol with mag, three grenades and one ammunition pouch. “Identity of the neutralised terrorist is being ascertained,” he said.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Army Chief General Manoj Pandey will visit Rajouri today to assess the ground situation where troops have launched a massive operation after killing 10 army personnel in the past two weeks.

Officials said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Army Chief Gen Manoj Pandey is likely to chair a high-level security meeting in Jammu before flying back to Delhi.

Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi reached Rajouri early morning to review the ongoing operation.

“Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi Army Commander Northern Command at Ground Zero, reviewing the operational situation on the ongoing operations at Kandi Rajouri where contact was re-established with militants. He was briefed on all aspects of the operations by ground commanders,” Northern Command shared a tweet.

SRINAGAR — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while castigating the Pakistan government for “resorting to torture and harassment” of people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), on Thursday said that India is committed to implementing the 1994 resolution passed in the Parliament about retrieving the part of Kashmir “under illegal occupation of Pakistan.”

Addressing the Infantry Day function in Srinagar, Singh, as per the news agency KNO, said that India feels the pain of every citizen of PoK where torture and harassment are regular features. “Pakistan government is sowing the seeds of hatred in PoK and time is not far when people will resort to mass rebellion there,” Singh said.

He said that India is committed to implementing the resolution passed in the Parliament about retrieving Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan including Gilgit and Baltistan. “People of PoK are being deprived of all basic rights and we are fully aware of it,” he said.

October 27 is observed as Infantry Day (Shaurya Diwas) in Budgam Landing Enactment on this day at Srinagar airport. The Army on this day fought Pakistani invaders and pushed them back.

He said the dream of Sardar Valabhai Patel will be fulfilled when all refugees of 1947 will get their land and homes back. “And I assure you that day will come….,” Singh said. Pertinently, the Indian Parliament resolution on February 22, 1994, demanded that Pakistan must vacate part of Kashmir under its illegal occupation.

He said that post Article 370 revocation, J&K is marching towards success, peace, and prosperity. “Before rolling back Article 370, Kashmiri society was divided into segments, but post-August 5, 2019, all sections of society are collectively marching towards success and prosperity,” Singh said, adding that “this was just a beginning.”

He said the revocation of Article 370 started a new beginning in J&K. “People of J&K reposed great hope and supported the full integration of J&K with the Union of India. J&K and Ladakh UTs are flourishing with every section of society getting their due rights,” he said.

He said in 1947, the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to enemies who tried to play mischief by occupying Kashmir illegally. “I pray great tributes to the Infantry regiments of the Indian Army who offered supreme sacrifices by pushing the invaders back,” said Singh.

He said the Infantry Day reminds “us to renew our pledge to root out our enemies and protect the country’s sovereignty.” Singh hailed the soldiers for their valor and commitment to protecting the borders and taking the country to new heights.

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.