A gunfight erupted in the Assar area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday, marking yet another instance of heightened security tensions in the region. The clash between security forces and unidentified terrorists resulted in at least one terrorist being injured, as confirmed by sources. The encounter took place in the remote and rugged Shivgarh-Assar belt of Doda, where the terrorists were believed to be hiding.
During the search operation, security personnel recovered an M4 rifle, clothing, and three rucksack bags from the terrorists' hideout. These findings indicate that the terrorists were well-equipped and possibly planning further activities in the area. Blood stains found at the site suggest that one of the terrorists was injured during the gunfight, although his exact condition remains unknown.
The Indian Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the ongoing operation in a post on X, stating, "*Op ASSAR* Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by #IndianArmy and #JKP was launched in Akar Forest near Patnitop. Contact has been established with the terrorists and operations are in progress." This indicates that the security forces are continuing their efforts to neutralize the remaining threats in the area.
The encounter in Doda is part of a broader pattern of increased militant activity in the region. On Tuesday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar visited the forward locations of counter-insurgency Delta forces in Doda and Kishtwar. His visit was aimed at reviewing the ongoing anti-terrorist operations in the Chenab Valley region, which has seen several encounters in recent months.
Lt Gen Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining a high tempo of operations to ensure the security and safety of the region, especially with several significant events on the horizon. He also assessed the deployment of additional forces being inducted into the area and stressed the need for close coordination between the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces.
The Army's Northern Command shared images of Lt Gen Kumar's interaction with the troops on the ground, underscoring the seriousness with which the ongoing operations are being conducted. The Chenab Valley region, particularly the higher reaches of Doda district, has witnessed a series of encounters since mid-June. These clashes have resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, including a captain, as well as three foreign terrorists. Several security personnel have also been injured during these operations.
In a related incident on August 11, a brief gunfight occurred between terrorists and security forces during search operations in Nownatta and Naagseni Peyaas in Kishtwar district. The series of encounters highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The situation remains tense as security forces continue their operations in the Assar area and beyond, determined to eliminate the remaining threats and restore normalcy to the region.
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