SRINAGAR, NOV 23: In the encounter at Rajouri district, security forces Thursday informed of having eliminated two terrorists, including a highly trained and Pakistan-based operative identified as Quari.
The encounter, which began on Wednesday in Dharmsal belt’s Bajimaal area Rajouri, resulted in the loss of four army personnel, including two captains, and left two others injured. The toll rose to five today as one more army personnel succumbed to injuries.
Quari, described as a trained sniper and an expert in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), was a high-ranking leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and was reportedly infiltrated from Pakistan a year ago.
The Army, which spearheaded the operation, revealed that Quari was suspected to be the orchestrator of multiple attacks in the volatile border regions. The encounter took place in a remote area of Rajouri, where the security forces engaged with the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The security forces also released a photograph of the terrorist.
Forces said that the successful killing of this terrorist is expected to have a significant impact on the security situation in the Poonch and Rajori belts, potentially disrupting the network of terrorists responsible for instigating violence in the area.
Authorities are commending the swift and effective action taken by the security forces, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance to safeguard the border regions from external threats.
Fresh firing erupted on Thursday morning in the ongoing encounter at Kalakote area in Rajouri, just a day after four army personnel, including two officers, were martyred at the site.
An official confirmed that renewed contact was established earlier today, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire between security forces and terrorists.
The situation remains fluid, with additional security columns deployed to the site to address the evolving circumstances.
Helicopters were pressed into service to aid in locating and neutralizing the trapped terrorists at the earliest possible moment, highlighting the urgency of the ongoing operation.
The encounter unfolded during a cordon-and-search operation on Wednesday. The area, characterized by dense forests and isolated dhoks (mud huts), posed challenges for security personnel in conducting the operation.
Security forces were facing challenges due to the mountainous landscape, and additional personnel were deployed to prevent terrorists from escaping.
The fallen heroes include Captain M V Pranjal of 63 Rashtriya Rifles, a native of Karnataka; Captain Shubham from the Special Forces, hailing from Agra in Uttar Pradesh; Havaldar Abdul Majid of the Special Force, a resident of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir; and Lance Naik Sanjay Bist from Nainital in Uttarakhand.
In a post on X, the White Knight Corps of the Army detailed that, based on specific intelligence, joint operations were initiated in the Kalakote area of Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri on Sunday. “Contact was established on 22 November, leading to an intense firefight. The terrorists have been injured and surrounded, and operations are ongoing, showcasing acts of valor and sacrifice by our brave hearts, striving to prevent collateral damage to women and children in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.”
The Rajouri encounter closely follows another gunfight in Behrote in the Budhal area on November 17, resulting in the death of one terrorist. Two prior ambushes in the Mendhar area of Poonch and Kandi forest of Rajouri on April 20 and May 5, respectively, claimed the lives of 10 soldiers. Officials report a total of 46 deaths in terrorism-related incidents in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, along with the nearby Reasi district, since January.
Rajouri witnessed 23 casualties, including seven terrorists and nine security personnel, while Poonch reported 15 terrorists and five security personnel fatalities.
Three terrorists were killed in Reasi district.
The increase in encounters is attributed to counter-terror operations aimed at thwarting attempts to revive militancy in the Jammu region. Security agencies are working to alleviate pressure on terrorists operating in Kashmir.
In response to a surge in terrorist activities in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have escalated their efforts to curb and neutralize terrorist elements.
The security forces are adopting a multi-faceted approach, combining intelligence-driven operations, increased patrolling, and enhanced coordination between various agencies.
Officials report that the rise in terrorism is a result of repeated attempts from across the border to revive terrorist activities in the Jammu region.
Security forces are determined to thwart these efforts and maintain peace in the region.
One of the top security officials stated that the recent incidents in Poonch and Rajouri are a matter of serious concern. “We are committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the residents and prevent any escalation of violence. Our forces are on high alert, and we have intensified our intelligence-gathering operations to stay one step ahead of the terrorists.”
Local residents have expressed their support for the intensified security measures, emphasizing the need for a secure and peaceful environment.
As the security forces continue their operations, the government has assured residents that every effort is being made to safeguard the region from the influence of terrorism.
Security forces eliminate two terrorists in Rajouri op; Army toll 5
