Over the past three days, the Jammu region area has witnessed three major terrorist attacks, a clear indication of escalating tensions. Notably, these attacks are occurring in regions previously considered relatively secure compared to the volatile Kashmir Valley.
Sequence of Attacks in Jammu Region
The spate of violence began on Sunday when terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying devotees in Reasi. This was followed by an attack in Kathua on Tuesday night. Most recently, a temporary police and army post in Doda was targeted. Historically, such terrorist activities were predominantly confined to the Kashmir Valley, but over the last eighteen months, a shift in focus towards the Jammu region has been observed.
Attack on Police Check Post in Doda
The latest attack in Doda involved indiscriminate firing on a joint post of the 4 National Rifles and the police. Five soldiers were injured in this brazen assault. The terrorists were quickly surrounded, and security forces initiated a retaliatory operation. Continuous gunfire has been reported in the area as the forces conduct a large-scale search operation. This attack came just as security forces were already on high alert following an attack in Kathua.
The Kathua Incident: A Closer Look
On Tuesday night, local residents of Saida Sukhal village in the Hira Nagar sector of Kathua spotted two suspicious individuals carrying bags. When the terrorists asked for water, their behaviour raised suspicion among the villagers, who refused their request. The terrorists then opened fire, first into the air and then at the people. The darkness allowed them to flee, but during the subsequent search operation, security forces engaged them, killing one terrorist. A CRPF jawan was also martyred in this encounter.
A bag recovered from the deceased terrorist revealed a substantial cache of weapons and supplies, including one lakh rupees in cash, Pakistani-made chocolates, dry gram, and chapatis, as well as medicines and painkillers. The presence of these items suggests that the terrorists were well-prepared for an extended operation. It is suspected that 2-3 terrorists are still hiding in the area.
Reasi Bus Attack: A Targeted Strike
The first of the three recent attacks occurred on Sunday when terrorists fired on a bus carrying devotees in Reasi. The attack happened on a bus traveling from Shiv Khodi to Katra, resulting in the death of the driver and causing the bus to crash into a ditch. This tragic incident led to the death of nine people and injured more than thirty others. In response, police have released a sketch of the suspected terrorist and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to his capture. Commandos are conducting extensive search operations across Reasi to locate the perpetrators.
Terrorist Organizations and Regional Instability
The terrorist organization ‘Kashmir Tigers’ has claimed responsibility for the recent attack in Kathua. This group is relatively unknown, raising concerns about the emergence of new terrorist factions in the region. Intelligence agencies have reported that numerous terror camps are active in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with an estimated 70-80 foreign terrorists having infiltrated the valley.
Security Measures and Public Alertness
The administration is on high alert, particularly with upcoming significant events like the Mata Kheer Bhawani fair on June 14 and the Amarnath Yatra starting on June 29. The recent targeting of devotees has heightened fears that terrorists may aim to disrupt these religious gatherings. As a result, security measures have been intensified, and every route and checkpoint are being methodically reviewed to prevent further attacks.
The vigilance of local residents and the comprehensive search operations by security forces are crucial in mitigating the threat and ensuring the safety and security of the region.