Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, have arrived in Jammu to assess security conditions following the recent Poonch attack on army vehicles, resulting in the death of four Jawans. During his visit, the Defence Minister is scheduled to review the security situation in Rajouri and Jammu.
The attack occurred last week when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles near Thanamandi in the Rajouri sector, resulting in four Army personnel killed and three injured. In response to the recent surge in attacks on Indian troops, the Indian Army plans to augment troop numbers in the Poonch-Rajouri sector to counter the activities of Pakistani terrorists.
Sources indicate the deployment of an additional brigade-size formation a few months ago, with plans to introduce another brigade and supporting units for enhanced counter-terrorism operations. The move aims to fortify the counter-terrorist grid, boosting local confidence.
Simultaneously, local police have intensified their intelligence network and plan further reinforcements. A Staff Court of Inquiry is underway against the 13-Sector Rashtriya Rifles Commander (Brigadier) for operational lapses resulting in troop casualties. The inquiry is also investigating the deaths of three civilians in custody following the Dera ki Gali terror attack.
Indian Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande visited the Poonch-Rajouri sector, receiving briefings on ongoing operations and strategic measures against terrorists. The Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies are suspected of attempting to revive terrorism in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, possibly to exert pressure on the Indian Army to reduce troop deployment along the northern border with China.
Given the military standoff with China, the Indian Army has prioritized the northern and eastern fronts. Security forces have successfully curtailed terrorist activities in the Kashmir valley.