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The security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) intensified in the days leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the region. This heightened security posture was evident in a series of encounters between security forces and terrorists across different districts of the state, culminating in the successful neutralization of several militants. The timing of these encounters, occurring just before PM Modi's scheduled public rally in Doda, raised significant questions about the ongoing security challenges and the efforts to combat terrorism in J&K.
The first encounter, which took place on Friday, September 13th, transpired in Khandara Kathua. Troops from the Rising Star Corps, in a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police, engaged two terrorists, successfully eliminating them. The operation, initiated on September 11th, resulted in the recovery of a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition. This engagement served as a stark reminder of the continuous threat posed by terrorist organizations operating in the region.
Further south in Kishtwar district, another encounter erupted on the same day, around 3:30 pm. Security forces engaged terrorists in the Pingnal Dugadda forest area, located in the upper reaches of Naidgham village. However, this encounter came at a heavy cost, as two brave Army soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty. Two other soldiers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. The White Knight Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, highlighting their supreme sacrifice and offering condolences to their families.
A third encounter occurred in the Baramulla district, later on Friday. The incident took place in the Chak Tapper Kreeri Pattan area, with the Kashmir Police confirming the engagement and stating that further details would be released subsequently. The encounter, which spanned into the early hours of Saturday, resulted in the elimination of three terrorists. While the slain terrorists' identities and affiliations are still under investigation, their demise underscores the continuous efforts of security forces to neutralize terrorist threats in J&K.
In addition to the encounters, security forces conducted a joint operation in the Surankote town of Poonch district. This operation, launched on September 12th, targeted a suspected terrorist hideout and resulted in the discovery of crucial intelligence regarding the activities of terrorist groups in the area. The operation involved personnel from the Police, Army, and CRPF.
Furthermore, a large-scale search operation was initiated in the upper reaches of Khandara Top, Kudwah, and Raichak, located in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. This operation was launched following the elimination of two terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) on September 11th. The extensive search operation utilized drones and other advanced equipment to track down any remaining terrorists who may have fled the previous encounter.
The intensified anti-terror operations in Kishtwar, Udhampur, Poonch, and Rajouri districts on Saturday serve as a testament to the commitment of security forces to contain and neutralize the terrorist threat in J&K. The ongoing search and elimination operations highlight the complexities of the security situation in the region and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining peace and stability.
PM Modi's visit to Doda on Saturday was held against this backdrop of intensified security measures and the ongoing anti-terror operations. The visit, intended to address a public rally for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, underscored the importance of the region in the national political landscape. The heightened security measures in the lead-up to his visit served as a reminder of the constant threat of terrorism and the importance of vigilance in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Source: J&K encounters: Anti-terror operations intensified ahead of PM Modi’s Doda rally