Four Indian Army soldiers, including an officer, were killed in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Given that this is the second major attack in the Jammu region in just over a week, concerns are raised about the likelihood that terrorism may resurface in the previously peaceful area.
In response to intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists, there was a clash in Doda’s Desa region following a joint operation conducted by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. A heavy firefight ensued around 9 pm, as reported by the Army. Initial reports indicated injuries among the soldiers.
Tragically, five soldiers were critically injured during the encounter, with four succumbing to their injuries.
This attack comes on the heels of another deadly encounter last week in Kathua, where five soldiers were killed and five others injured in a coordinated strike targeting two army trucks. The use of grenades, armour-piercing bullets, and an M4 assault rifle by terrorists has caused significant worry among security forces.
These changes indicate a concerning pattern. The whole Jammu region, which was comparatively free of terrorism until recently, is now affected by the violence, which started in the districts of Poonch and Rajouri. According to official estimates, 48 troops had died in combat in the Jammu area alone during the previous 32 months.
Intelligence sources suggest that over 60 foreign terrorists, with expertise in jungle warfare, may be operating in Jammu. This has instilled fear across all ten districts of the province.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier instructed the Army to use all of its anti-terrorist resources to eradicate the danger originating from the Jammu area in response to this rapidly developing crisis. The recent attacks are a sobering reminder of the continuous difficulties security personnel confront in upholding regional peace.
