In the past three days, they have been a series of terror attacks rocking Jammu and Kashmir which are raising concerns of heightened security threats in the area.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday evening in Kathua district, where two terrorists suspected to have infiltrated from across the border entered Saida Sukhal village. The terrorists approached houses seeking water, arousing suspicion among villagers. When villagers raised an alarm, the terrorists opened fire, injuring one civilian.
The terrorists were met by the security forces, which were made up of the Hiranagar Station House Officer (SHO) and the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO). Amidst a gun battle, bullets were fired by both parties. Security forces were quick to respond to the gunshots fired by terrorists and killed one who threw a grenade at them. Currently, a combing operation is being carried out in the village in search of one terrorist who has been hiding in the village.
Just seventy-two hours before this assault, a convoy en route to Shiv Khori Temple also faced a similar terrible attack. Which was brewed upon a bus ferrying pilgrims in Reasi District. When the gunfire broke out, the bus driver was terrified and lost control of the vehicle as he refused to de-board the passengers. Unfortunately, the bus fell into a deep ravine killing 9 people instantly and injuring 42 others. Officials suspect the Reasi attack was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Hamza.
Adding to the tense situation, an encounter broke out on Wednesday morning in Doda district. Security forces exchanged fire with terrorists who had attacked a joint checkpost. Five soldiers and a special police officer (SPO) were injured in the initial shootout. An operation to neutralize the remaining terrorists is ongoing.
These attacks come amidst heightened security measures implemented following the Reasi bus tragedy. The Jammu region, previously considered relatively peaceful, now finds itself on high alert.
Authorities suspect that the recent events aim at disrupting the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The Union government assured the public that even though there may be possible disruptions in the security system, it has taken all precautions required so far (by whatever means) in order to anticipate any risks related to the safety of its people.
