Kishtwar Gunfight: 2 soldiers dead, 3 injured
On Friday, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district witnessed a tragic encounter as two Indian Army soldiers were killed and three others were injured during a gunfight with terrorists. This violent clash occurred in the Naidgham area of Kishtwar, marking yet another incident of insurgent violence in the region, which has been a hotbed of conflict for decades.
- Joint Operation by Security Forces
The encounter was part of a joint cordon-and-search operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The operation followed intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists hiding in the dense forests of Pingnal Dugadda. As the security forces moved in, they were fired upon by the terrorists, triggering a fierce gunfight.
In the exchange of fire, four soldiers were initially injured. Two of them, Junior Commissioned Officer Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar and Sepoy Arvind Singh, later succumbed to their injuries. The other two wounded soldiers were evacuated, with one receiving treatment at a nearby command hospital and the others being treated locally.
- Increased Security Measures Ahead of Elections
The clash in Kishtwar comes at a critical time, just days before the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir. With polling set to begin on September 18, security forces have intensified their operations across the region to ensure a safe and secure environment for voters. Kishtwar is one of the areas where polling will take place during the first phase, with Baramulla scheduled to vote in the third phase on October 1.
Assembly Elections in Jammu & Kashmir: A Decade in Waiting
- Elections After 10 Years
This year’s elections are significant as they mark the first assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir in nearly a decade. The last assembly elections were held in 2014 when Jammu & Kashmir was still a unified state. Back then, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed a coalition government, but the alliance fell apart in 2018.
In 2019, the Modi government made a historic move by abrogating Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir. The state was then bifurcated into two union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, the region has been without an elected assembly for almost six years, and these elections have been long overdue.
- Phased Elections and Security Concerns
The elections will be conducted in three phases, with voting scheduled on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes is set to take place on October 4. Given the region’s history of violence, especially during election periods, the security forces are on high alert. The ongoing operations against terrorists are part of the broader strategy to ensure that the elections proceed without major disruptions. #𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲
𝐎𝐏 𝐊𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐀
In the Joint operation launched on 11 Sep by 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬 & 𝐉&𝐊 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞, Two Terrorists Neutralised & Large War Like Stores Recovered. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬… pic.twitter.com/SE4bfRVmNL— Rising Star Corps_IA (@RisingStarCorps) September 13, 2024
Baramulla Encounter: 3 Terrorists Killed, Operation underway
- Overnight Gunfight in Baramulla
In another significant development, three terrorists were shot dead in an overnight gunfight in Baramulla’s Chak Tappar Kreeri area on Friday. The encounter began on the night of September 13-14 and continued into the early hours. The security forces, acting on a tip-off, engaged with the terrorists who were hiding in the region.
According to officials, two to three more terrorists are believed to be in the area, and the operation is still ongoing as the security forces work to neutralize the remaining militants.
- Terrorist Activity in the Run-Up to Elections
The incidents in Kishtwar and Baramulla underline the persistent threat of terrorist activity in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in the lead-up to elections. These operations are a reminder of the challenges faced by security forces as they try to maintain law and order while safeguarding the democratic process.
Joint operation with @JmuKmrPolice in progress at #Baramulla. https://t.co/YZY7MLjYeo pic.twitter.com/GkvBlwRJ2k— NORTHERN COMMAND - INDIAN ARMY (@NorthernComd_IA) September 14, 2024
Prime Minister Modi’s Rally in Doda
- PM Modi’s First Visit to Doda in 42 Years
In the midst of these security challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Doda on Saturday, marking the first time a prime minister has visited the district in 42 years. The last prime minister to visit Doda was in 1982, making Modi’s rally a historic event for the district.
The Prime Minister’s rally is part of the BJP’s election campaign for the 2024 Assembly elections. The BJP is contesting all 43 seats in the Jammu division, and Modi’s visit is seen as a key moment in the party’s efforts to secure votes in the region.
#WATCH | Doda, J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "This time the elections of Jammu Kashmir is going to decide the fate of J&K. Since independence, our beloved J&K has been targeted by foreign powers. After this, 'pariwarwad' started hollowing this beautiful state. The… pic.twitter.com/8tZdtBl5Ni— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2024
- Security Arrangements for Modi’s Rally
To ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and attendees, multi-tier security has been established across Doda and Kishtwar. Security forces have secured the area around the campaign venue, and additional precautions have been taken to prevent any disruptions during the rally.
- BJP’s Campaign and Focus on Jammu & Kashmir
The BJP’s focus on Jammu & Kashmir is clear, as the party seeks to make significant gains in the upcoming elections. The region has undergone profound changes since the abrogation of Article 370, and the party is aiming to capitalize on the promises of development and stability to garner support.
For the people of Doda, Modi’s visit is highly anticipated, especially since he last addressed a rally in Kishtwar during the 2014 Assembly elections. The rally in Doda is expected to energize the party’s supporters and bolster its prospects in the region.
The recent incidents of violence in Kishtwar and Baramulla underscore the complex security situation in Jammu & Kashmir, especially as the region prepares for its first assembly elections in nearly a decade. Despite the ongoing threats, security forces remain vigilant in their efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of the democratic process. Meanwhile, political activity, including Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Doda, continues to build momentum ahead of the elections, reflecting the region's importance in India’s political landscape.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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