News Brief
Nishtha Anushree
Aug 19, 2024, 06:12 PM | Updated 06:12 PM IST
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In another terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer was killed on Monday (19 August) in the Dadu region of Udhampur.
The terrorists attacked a joint patrol party of CRPF and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police. In response, a counter-terrorism operation has been initiated in the area.
This incident occurred in the Jammu region, which had remained relatively quiet for several years compared to Kashmir. However, there has been an increase in terrorist activity in Jammu.
At least 24 people, including 12 security personnel and a village defence guard (VDG) member, have been killed this year in such incidents in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, and Doda districts.
The Jammu region, interspersed with dense forests and mountainous terrain, accounts for 485 kms of the 2,289 km long India-Pakistan border.
In June, a bus carrying pilgrims was targeted in Reasi, killing nine people. On July 5, a military convoy was attacked in Kathua district, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to five others.
These incidents have raised serious concerns about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the southern areas of the Pir Panjal range, known for its dense forests and rugged terrain.
Last week, an Army officer was killed in action after an encounter with a group of four terrorists in the Assar region of Doda district, while a civilian sustained injuries.
Earlier this month, the government announced the implementation of a new security framework for J&K in response to the rising incidents of terrorist attacks targeting civilians, military personnel, and camps.
Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.