SRINAGAR: Security measures have been increased, and vehicle inspections intensified across the entire Jammu division ahead of Republic Day, following a suspected militant attack on a convoy in the Poonch district last Friday.
The General Officer Commanding (GoC) White Knight Corps, Navin Sachdewa, briefed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the current situation.
Official sources said that extensive search operations in the Poonch sector after terrorists opened fire on a convoy led by the Commanding Officer of a local army unit in the Krishna Ghati area of Poonch on Friday evening.
The Commanding Officer came under attack in the Khwaria area of Dharati Village in the Krishna Ghati Sector of Poonch district. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps stated on its official handle on X that there were no casualties, and a search operation by troops and Jammu and Kashmir Police was underway.
Security forces are conducting a large-scale operation to apprehend the perpetrators, now on the second consecutive day. Intelligence agencies are actively working to identify and understand the motives behind the attack. The incident has heightened concerns about the security situation in the region, prompting heightened vigilance by authorities to prevent further untoward incidents.
Security forces are also conducting thorough vehicle checks at vulnerable and crucial points across Jammu and Kashmir.
This incident occurs amid simmering tensions in the region, with security forces on high alert. The local community has been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may assist in the investigation.
Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Corps (GOC) White Knight Corps, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Rajbhavan. The general officer briefed him on the current security situation, Indian Army outreach to the local community, and coordination with other security forces.
On Friday, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, accompanied by GOC White Knight Corps, reviewed the operational preparedness of formations in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors. The Army Commander also appreciated the outreach efforts of the White Knight Corps and visited forward posts in the Rajouri Sector to interact with troops. He praised them for their high morale and round-the-clock vigil, urging them to continue working with zeal and dedication to maintain a stable security environment.
Additionally, the Army commander chaired a meeting with the officers of ROMEO Force, DELTA Force, and Ace of Spades Division on Counter-Terrorism Operations dynamics in 2023. Reviewing the complete pattern of terrorist activities, the Army Commander outlined the ‘Strat 24’ operational focus in 2024 to counter adversary designs and sponsored terrorism.
On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting with senior officers, deputy commissioners, and senior superintendents of police (SSP) of the Jammu division. The discussions focused on development and security issues, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy against drug smugglers, drug hot spots, and cross-border smuggling. (KNO)
