Copters, drones, para-commandos involved in searches
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 25: For the first time since resurgence of militancy in Jammu and now in the Valley, militants fired a rocket in yesterday’s Bota Pathri attack which is a cause of concern for the security agencies.
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The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, that claimed responsibility for the Bota Pathri attack, today released a video on social media platforms showing a militant firing a rocket in the dense forest area towards the Army.
An official confirmed that the rocket was fired by the militants towards the Army vehicle that was targeted but added that it didn’t hit the intended target and fell near the vehicle without causing any damage.
The official said that firing of rocket is a cause of concern as this is for the first time the weapon was used in any recent attack on Army in the Jammu region or the Valley. He said that it could have led to more damage had it hit the vehicle.
The official further said that the militant group that carried out the attack near the LoC in Bota Pathri was not a recent infiltrated one. He said that as per the initial investigations it seems that it was a group of four militants who carried out the attack and had infiltrated earlier this year.
“We feel that the militant group, comprising mostly of foreigners, that was already in the woods of Baramulla district for the last few months carried out the attack. The tracks they have used while fleeing after the attack suggest that they have returned to the same area from where they were operating,” he added.
The official said that one of the militants of the group is a local while the other three are foreigners. He said the security forces are working on the leads they are getting to track down the group.
The official said that security forces intensified search operations in the woods, utilizing drones, helicopters, and increasing checkpoints, particularly in Tangmarg and Gulmarg.
Army also sent more troops to the woods including elite para-commandos who are conducting searches to track down the militants responsible for the attack. Top police and army officials rushed to Bota Pathri Gulmarg this morning to oversee the operation.
The Gulmarg Gondola ropeway service was shut down this morning after yesterday’s attack in the nearby Bota Pathri area.
An official said that the shutdown was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of tourists and staff.
The Gondola, known for attracting tourists year-round with stunning views and unique mountain experiences, resumed operations around noon after security assessments and measures were completed.
Terrorists target locals to instil fear: Army
The Army today said that Pakistan terrorists are targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke the fear and terror in the Valley, which is progressing towards peace and stability.
In a statement issued after the attack by the Army in Bota Pathri near Gulmarg in Baramulla district, Army said: “It is evident that Pakistani terrorists are, deliberately and unregretfully, targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke the fear and terror in Valley, which is progressing towards peace and stability. The only ideology these terrorists espouse is ” The Reign of Terror in Valley”.
It said that Pakistani terrorists, with a view to disrupt peace and stability in Kashmir, cowardly targeted an Army column in general area Butapathri, Baramulla on October 24, which was carrying soldiers and local porters.
“On being fired upon, the alert troops swiftly and resolutely retaliated the fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat leaving behind a weapon and rucksack and escaped into dense foliage, exploiting a nala and fading light,” the statement said.
“Regrettably, two brave Indian Army soldiers, one from Anantnag district and other from Sirsa district, succumbed to the injuries sustained during exchange of fire, thereby making the supreme sacrifice. Indian Army salutes the bravery of Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and Rifleman Jeevan Singh, who despite being hit responded and forced the terrorists to flee, before laying down their lives in this cowardly terrorist attack.”
The statement said that the actions by these brave soldiers prevented the terrorists from causing any further damage and demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to safeguard the National Security and counter inimical agenda of Pakistan abetted terrorism in Kashmir. “Their selfless act is a testament to the Indian Army’s resolve to safeguard our nation and the citizens.”
The Army said that alongside the brave soldiers, two Kashmiri porters Zahoor Ahmad Mir resident of Boniyar Tehsil and Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary resident of Uri Tehsil also made the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the Nation.
“Indian Army pays tribute to these brave soldiers and porters, who laid down their lives while serving the Nation and extend heartfelt condolences to their families. Indian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our citizens and will resolutely achieve its efforts to combat terrorism and promote harmony in Kashmir Valley. The sacrifices of these brave Kashmiris and Indian Army soldiers will inspire the future generations to stand against the perpetrators of terror.”
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