In recent weeks, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a surge in violent incidents, from the tragic attack on a passenger bus in Reasi that claimed nine lives to an ambush in Kathua resulting in the deaths of five Army personnel.
Following the ambush in Kathua, security forces have intensified search operations across several districts amidst heavy rainfall.
Recently, a significant search operation was initiated in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. This action followed an incident where shots were fired by a sentry at a police post in response to suspicious movements, according to reports.
“Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, following gunfire between police and an unidentified attacker at the Sang police picket,” noted news agency IANS on social media platform X.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police clarified earlier reports, denying any terrorist attack on the security post situated in the high-altitude regions of Udhampur district. They explained that the sentry had fired preemptively upon observing suspicious activity in the vicinity. An official cautioned against spreading unsubstantiated information, urging the public to exercise restraint in sharing such posts.
Recent Terror Attacks in Jammu and Kashmir
In the past month, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a series of devastating terrorist attacks, underscoring the persistent threat faced by security forces and civilians alike in the region. Here’s a detailed account of the incidents that have unfolded:
Reasi Attack
On June 9, tragedy struck as terrorists targeted a passenger bus in the Reasi district. The bus, carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra, came under heavy gunfire near Teryath village in the Poni area. The brutal attack resulted in nine fatalities and left 41 others injured. The bus, following the gunfire, tragically plunged into a deep gorge, compounding the loss and trauma.
Twin Terrorist Attacks
Just two days later, on June 11, terrorists launched coordinated assaults on security personnel. At Chattargalla in the Doda district, six security personnel were injured in an attack on a joint check post. The following day, in the Gandoh area’s Kota top, another policeman was injured in a gunfight with terrorists. These incidents highlighted the brazen nature of the attacks and the peril faced by those guarding against them.
Doda Encounter
On June 26, a significant encounter unfolded in the forested terrain of the Doda district. Security forces engaged in a fierce gun battle with three terrorists in Bajaad village, Gandoh area. The encounter, part of a broader search and cordon operation in response to earlier attacks, resulted in the neutralization of the terrorists, underlining the ongoing efforts to maintain security amidst escalating tensions.
Doda Ambush
Tragedy struck again on an unforgiving mountainous road near the Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, Kathua district. On an ominous day, five Army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), fell victim to a deadly ambush by terrorists. This marked the fourth encounter in the Doda district within a short span, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to sudden, violent attacks.
Second Doda Encounter
Barely a day after the fatal ambush, security forces intensified operations in the higher reaches of Doda district. In the Ghadi Bhagwah forest, approximately 35 km east of Doda town bordering Kishtwar district, another intense gunfight erupted as terrorists were cornered. The swift response from security forces highlighted their resolve to confront and eliminate the persistent threat posed by militant elements.
Kathua Ambush
The grim sequence of events culminated on July 8, 2024, with a tragic ambush targeting an army convoy in Kathua district. The attack resulted in the deaths of five soldiers, with four others sustaining injuries. This devastating incident followed closely on the heels of encounters in Kulgam district, where six terrorists were eliminated while two soldiers lost their lives and one was injured. The spate of violence underscored the volatile security landscape and the continued challenges faced by security forces in safeguarding civilian lives and maintaining order.
Conclusion
The recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir have tragically claimed lives and intensified security challenges in the region. From the devastating ambushes in Doda to the targeted assault in Kathua, these incidents highlight the persistent threat faced by security forces and civilians alike. As operations intensify and security measures heighten, the incidents serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and resilience in maintaining peace and stability.
