On Thursday, the great tragedy occurred. Four soldiers of India’s elite army lost their lives and three were injured in a terrorist attack on two military vehicles in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir Province. The ambush was laid on a blind corner of the Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz during cordon-and-search operations, officials said.
While delivering support for a joint operation to combat terrorism, the soldiers were hit by an intense ambush attack by terrorists at 13.45 IST (India Standard Time). According to the report, their bodies were found mutilated. The attack was truly horrendous.
The Army quickly retaliated, launching a counteroffensive against the attackers. Our injured were sent immediately to a nearby hospital. The site features series of blood-stained streets, windscreens and helmets newspapers on which video broadcast the tragedy in waves.
Beneath the surface The attack followed on a recent spate of shooting incidents in which five servicemen, including two captains were killed in action during hard fighting near one sector of the Dharmsal belt. The area, which covers the entire border between Rajouri and Poonch districts, has become a prime site for such incidents. Thick forests offer cover for terrorist activity as well.
Killed on their way back An ambush at Dhera Ki Gali by the Army earlier this year brought more bad news for those who pass that spot and others between there and Bufliaz. Both former J & K chief ministers, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack in round terms and expressed condolences for lives lost.
Even as the nation pays its tribute to fallen heroes, doubts are being cast about whether or not an ever-present threat remains in the area. The issue raises questions regarding how effective India’s armed forces truly remain at protecting national security.
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