"Each Soldier Is Like Family Member": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh In Jammu-Kashmir After Attack On Army Vehicles

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh landed in Jammu today (27 December) to undertake a security assessment visit, following a recent terrorist attack on Army vehicles in Poonch that resulted in the death of four soldiers. Shortly after his arrival in Jammu, Singh departed for Rajouri.

Singh said, "I would pray for the speedy recovery of the army personnel who sustained injuries. I would like to ensure you that keeping in mind the severity of the incident, required steps are being taken. Each of our army personnel is very important to us."

He added, "Our each soldier is like a family member to us. We all have this emotion. We can't tolerate it if someone puts an eye on us, this I want to assure you all.".

The visit of the Defence Minister coincides with a period where a Brigadier-level officer is under investigation for repeated failures in military operations, resulting in the loss of numerous soldiers' lives.

This visit is also set against the backdrop of widespread anger in Jammu and Kashmir, following the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch sector who were held for interrogation by the Army.

Singh is anticipated to convene with the local inhabitants and relatives of the deceased civilians. Following this, around 3 pm, he is projected to preside over a high-level security conference at Raj Bhavan in Jammu.

The Defence Minister's visit has led to an increase in security throughout Jammu. Prior to this, General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, had paid a visit to the Union Territory to assess the situation.