After the terrorist attack in Poonch, a high alert has been issued in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have been asked not to act loosely and be on high alert. Apart from the Line of Control (LOC) and International Borders in Jammu, high alert has been sounded in South Kashmir’s Shopian as well as North Kashmir’s Kupwara and Uri sectors to prevent terrorists from infiltrating back. Army sources told Zee News that the terror attack was like a BAT operation and it appears that the terrorists have infiltrated from across the border. BAT is the Border Action Team of Pakistan which carries out attacks from across the border.
He said that in the past two similar attacks were carried out on army and civilians in Rajouri and Poonch sectors. Meanwhile, security forces have launched a massive cordon and search operation (CASO) in various villages of Mendhar sub-division, with senior officials of both the army and police present at the spot. Heavy security forces have been deployed and several villages including Bhata Dhuriyan, Nar Van, Sanjiote and Kotan have been cordoned off and intensive searches are underway. Patrolling has been increased on IB and LoC.
#Watch , Security forces have secured the area after terrorists attacked an army truck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. 5 soldiers of Rashtriya Rifles posted in this area lost their lives
The army says that the terrorists may have lobbed a hand grenade at the truck which caused the vehicle to catch fire. pic.twitter.com/Z5JD7gFhZm
– ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2023
After the terrorist attack, the movement of all types of vehicles on the National Highway between Bhimber Gali and Bhata Dhuriyan has been stopped. Jammu and Kashmir Police in Poonch district said that traffic will remain suspended from BG to Surankote road in view of an incident at Bhata Dhurian. “All passengers are advised to take alternate routes, which include BG Mendhar JWG or Mendhar KG Poonch,” police said.
Sources said the terrorists managed to stop the vehicle in an ambush and then lobbed grenades, while others used calibrated grenades towards its fuel tank, which caused a massive fire in the vehicle, due to which the troops could not react in time. Get it. The modus operandi of such an attack is new to J&K, and was earlier seen in the Northeast.
Lesser known terrorist group PAFF (People’s Anti-Face Front) has claimed responsibility on social media. The aim of this attack is to sabotage the upcoming G-20 meeting in Kashmir. Earlier, a Defense PRO said, “On Thursday at around 3 pm, unidentified terrorists fired at an Army vehicle moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in Rajouri sector, taking advantage of heavy rain and low visibility. The vehicle caught fire due to possible use of grenade by the terrorists. Five personnel of Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter terrorist operation in this area have unfortunately lost their lives in this incident. Another seriously injured soldier was immediately rushed to Army Hospital, Rajouri and is undergoing treatment. The operation is on to trace the culprits.”
The attack took place at a time when Kashmir is going to host G20 meetings in Srinagar. It also comes as a shocker to the armed forces as the forces are on their toes to make full security arrangements for the event. Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level review meeting to take stock of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the G20 meetings.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh condoled with the bravehearts. “Saddened by the tragedy in Poonch district (Jammu and Kashmir) where the Indian Army has lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” the Defense Minister said in a tweet. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the loss of lives. Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have condemned the attack.