Srinagar, Oct 25: A surge in militant incidents over the past two weeks has led to the loss of 15 lives, including security personnel and civilians, in Kashmir.
The most recent attack occurred on the evening of October 24 in Gulmarg, where five lives were lost—three soldiers and two civilian army porters. This marks the first incident this year in which three soldiers and two porters were killed in Kashmir.
On October 20, six non-local individuals and a local doctor were killed in Gagangeer, in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Earlier, on October 16, Ashok Kumar, a laborer from Bihar, was shot dead in South Kashmir’s Shopian district. Prior to that, an army man was killed after being abducted from a forested area in Anantnag.
Leading up to the assembly elections, the situation had remained relatively peaceful, with most attacks occurring in the Jammu region. By September 2024, at least 18 security personnel in Jammu, including five IAF personnel, 12 army men, and one J&K police officer, had lost their lives to terror attacks. Additionally, 10 pilgrims and one local resident were killed.
Security forces intensified a search operation on Friday to track down militants involved in the Botapathri area attack near Gulmarg in Baramulla district, approximately 7 kilometers from the tourist destination. All tourists are safe, and Gulmarg remains open for visitors.
A senior army official said that Botapathri has no civilian population, suggesting the terrorists may have infiltrated from the Line of Control (LoC) and are possibly hiding in the forests or attempting to return to the LoC. Drones and helicopters have been deployed to aid in the search.
“Despite challenges posed by the rough, hilly terrain, additional troops are being mobilized to locate and neutralize militants,” the official said.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha held discussions with top army officials, directing swift action against the attackers. “Operation in progress. The sacrifice of our martyrs will not be in vain. Condolences to their families, and we pray for a speedy recovery for the injured,” he stated.
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