Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, arrived in Jammu on Wednesday to assess the security situation. Recently in the Poonch attack four Jawans lost their lives.
During a press briefing, Rajnath Singh expressed his concerns and extended prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured army personnel. He assured the nation that necessary measures were taken to avoid such situations.
The Defence Minister called for a complete shutdown on terrorism in J&K and urged the army to remain steadfast in the fight against this scourge.
General Manoj Pande, on his part, visited the Poonch-Rajouri sector and is expected to make another visit later this week.
General Pande received comprehensive briefings from high-ranking commanders during his visit, discussing ongoing operations and strategic measures to enhance counterterrorism efforts.
According to sources, the Indian Army is planning to deploy an additional Brigade-sized formation in Poonch and Rajouri sectors to counter Pakistan terror activities.
Last week’s terror attack near Thanamandi in the Rajouri sector resulted in the tragic loss of four Army personnel and injuries to three others.
Rajnath Singh’s visit to the Rajouri-Poonch sector includes engagements with civilians and presenting government job appointment letters to the families of three civilians who died allegedly due to custodial torture.
A high-level meeting is scheduled at the White Knight Corps headquarters and Raj Bhavan, where top Army officials and Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha are expected to be in attendance.
Rajnath Singh’s second trip to Rajouri in the course of the year is a reminder of the importance of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the forest belts in the wake of the terror attack in Poonch.