Srinagar, December 23, 2023 In the wake of a recent ambush on two Army vehicles that claimed the lives of five soldiers, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Poonch and Rajouri districts has escalated, leading to the suspension of mobile Internet services. Security forces are conducting an extensive search operation to apprehend the terrorists responsible for the attack.
The suspension of mobile Internet services in Poonch and Rajouri comes on the heels of reports of the mysterious deaths of three individuals allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning. Widespread resentment has gripped the region following the circulation of videos purportedly showing the torture of the suspects.
While both Army and civil authorities remain tight-lipped about the ground situation, official sources cite the suspension of mobile Internet services as a precautionary measure. The move aims to curb the spread of rumors and prevent any potential law and order issues arising from the growing tension in the area.
Senior Army, police, and civil officers are closely monitoring the situation. Additional police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas of the districts to maintain peace amidst rising concerns.
The ambush, which occurred between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz under the jurisdiction of Surankote police station in Poonch, involved three to four heavily-armed terrorists targeting an army gypsy and a truck. The attackers killed five soldiers, injured two others, and reportedly mutilated the bodies of at least two victims, seizing their weapons.
Following the attack, a massive search operation was launched in densely forested areas, including nearby Thanamandi in Rajouri. However, there has been no fresh contact with the fleeing terrorists as of now, according to officials.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, three individuals who were detained for questioning by the Army in connection with Thursday’s attack died mysteriously on Friday. The bodies of Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27), and Shabir Ahmad (32), all from Topa Peer village of Bufliaz, have been handed over to their families for last rites. The cause of their deaths remains unknown, adding to the urgency and sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
