Security alert in Rajouri, Poonch districts

Rajouri, Nov 25: Security arrangements in twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch have been tightened further amid apprehension of presence of multiple terror groups in the region.

Rajouri and Poonch districts, generally referred to as Pir Panjal region, are already witnessing a high security alert following a number of terror acts and encounters during the last three years.

The region, during this period, witnessed terror acts and fierce encounters in Bhata Dhurian; Chamrer forests; Dhangri; Kesari Hill and recently at Baaji Maal, where five army personnel, including two officers, were killed while eliminating two dreaded terrorists.

Officials said, “The security apparatus was already on high alert and it was strengthened further amid apprehension of the presence of multiple groups of terrorists in the region.”

The Northern Army Commander on Friday had stated that twenty to twenty-five terrorists were active in the region and forces would soon neutralise them.

He had also mentioned about efforts of security forces to thwart attempts of disturbing peace in the area.

“As the security forces and intelligence agencies have apprehensions that multiple terror groups are present in the area, the security arrangements have been strengthened further in all aspects. Senior officers have also supervised these arrangements multiple times,” officials said.

“A number of measures to further strengthen the arrangements have been taken which however cannot be disclosed in public,” they added.

Sector Commander of 14 Rashtriya Rifles sector, Brig Soumeet Patnaik on Friday informed that among the two terrorists killed in Baaji Maal encounter, one was a LeT Commander with code name Qari, who was involved in a number of terror acts in Rajouri and Poonch during last one year and was also mastermind of Dhangri civilian killings as well as Kandi Kesari Hill encounter.