New Delhi: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday condoled the tragic loss after five army men were killed in an attack on their military truck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch. On Twitter, Singh expressed his pain, saying, “Saddened by the tragedy in Poonch district (Jammu and Kashmir) where the Indian Army lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. My thoughts are with the bereaved families at this sad time.
Saddened by the tragedy in Poonch district (Jammu & Kashmir) where the Indian Army lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this sad hour. – Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 20, 2023
The Defense Minister’s tweet came shortly before the Army confirmed the death of five jawans in the terror attack.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condoled the death of the five jawans and said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives of the brave army men in a tragic incident in Poonch. Their rich service to the nation will never be forgotten.” can be forgotten.” My thoughts are with the bereaved families.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives of brave army personnel in a tragic incident in Poonch. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. — Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) April 20, 2023
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the news of the martyrdom of five soldiers in the terrorist attack in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir is very sad. “I pay my humble tributes to those heroes and express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families,” Gandhi said.
The news of the martyrdom of 5 of our soldiers in the terrorist attack in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir is very sad.
I pay my humble tributes to those heroes and express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 20, 2023
National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah tweeted, “Horrible news of a terrorist attack in Poonch that claimed the lives of 5 army men in the line of duty. I condemn this heinous attack and express my condolences to the loved ones of those killed today.” I express my condolences.” May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Terrible news of a terrorist attack in Poonch in which 5 army personnel lost their lives in the line of duty. I condemn this heinous attack in one voice and express my condolences to the loved ones of those killed today. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. – Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 20, 2023
Army Chief informed the Defense Minister
Sources said the Defense Minister was briefed by Army Chief General Manoj Pandey about the death of five soldiers in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. According to sources, Army personnel on the ground are monitoring the situation and taking appropriate action.
Earlier in the day, Army officials said a military truck caught fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, claiming the lives of five personnel, possibly caused by a grenade fired by terrorists.
The army issued a statement on the incident saying that the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle following which the vehicle caught fire after the terrorists hurled a grenade. “Unidentified terrorists today fired at an Army vehicle moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in Rajouri Sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The vehicle caught fire due to possible use of grenade by terrorists,” the Army said in a statement.
#Watch , Drone surveillance and search operation underway in the area where terrorists opened fire on an Indian Army truck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch
5 army soldiers lost their lives, one injured admitted to hospital
(view postponed unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/4VWNblD4oz– ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2023
Taking advantage of heavy rain and low visibility in the area, the terrorists fired at an army vehicle, the Northern Command said. Five personnel of Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter terrorist operations in the area have unfortunately lost their lives in this incident.”
Another soldier, who was seriously injured, was immediately evacuated and taken to Army Hospital, Rajouri. Presently he is undergoing treatment. The army further informed that a search operation has been launched to nab the attackers.
Earlier in the day, Defense PRO said, “Today, at about 1500 hrs, an Indian Army vehicle while moving from Bhimber Gali towards Sangiet in District Poonch (JK) caught fire. In this tragic incident, Indian Army personnel Five army soldiers have lost their lives.”
Visuals showed semi-burnt bodies of soldiers lying on the road next to a burning truck. It was not immediately clear how many soldiers were in the vehicle when it caught fire.
video | An Indian Army vehicle caught fire in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/E4gyvthM54– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 20, 2023
Local people and some army personnel were seen extinguishing the fire. Sources said the army and police reached the spot and cordoned off the area and stopped vehicular movement on the highway. Later in the evening, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested at Tawi bridge in Jammu city and raised anti-Pakistan slogans.
The terror incident assumes significance in view of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting to be held in Srinagar in May. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reviewed the security situation in the Union Territory last week.
The attack took place near the site of the 2021 clashes that lasted several weeks. Despite an intensive search operation, the terrorists managed to escape from the spot and changed their hideout.