JAMMU, May 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed security situation in Jammu and Kashmir particularly in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army chief Gen Manoj Pande and Northern Command chief Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi during his visit to the border district of Rajouri, a day after five elite para commandos of the Army were martyred and a Major was injured in a powerful IED blast triggered by the militants. Click here to watch video
Rajnath took stock of operational preparedness of the Indian Army and situation along the borders during his visit to the Army base camp in Rajouri.
As per the officials, a detailed strategy has been chalked out to neutralize the militants operating in Rajouri and Poonch districts where 26 Army soldiers and nine civilians have been killed during last about two and a half years. Army, paramilitary forces and police could launch series of joint search operations to track down the militants operating in the two districts, they said.
After getting a brief on the operation in Kandi forest, the Defence Minister chaired a high-level security meeting to review the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Rajouri and Poonch before returning to Jammu on way back to New Delhi, they said.
The Lieutenant Governor, the Army chief and the Northern Command chief are reported to have given detailed account of recent operations in Rajouri and Poonch districts and steps being taken by Army and police to eliminate the militants to Rajnath Singh.
“Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh accompanied by the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha & Gen Manoj Pandey reviewed the security situation & ongoing counter terrorism operations in Rajouri,” ADGPI tweeted.
The Defence Minister interacted with the soldiers and commended their valour and zeal while operating in challenging situations. He stressed that the nation feels secure because of unmatched courage, commitment and constant vigil of the soldiers of the Indian Army in difficult areas.
He motivated them to continue working with same dedication and bravery stating that the Government and people of the country are with the Armed Force always.
While paying homage to the brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifice in service to the nation in Rajouri yesterday, Rajnath declared that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Visited the Army Base Camp in Rajouri, J&K today. Reviewed the operational capabilities and security situation along the border. Also, interacted with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. India salutes their devotion towards protecting our motherland,” Rajnath wrote on his Twitter account.
In another post in response to a tweet by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI)-Indian Army paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, Singh said, “I pay homage to these brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
Singh condoled the deaths of the personnel and commended the security men for their valour and zeal while operating in challenging situations.
The Defence Minister’s visit also assumes significance as militants have killed 35 people, including 26 soldiers, in eight attacks in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch since October 2021. The two districts were declared terrorism-free more than a decade ago.
Officials said Singh, accompanied by Army chief General Manoj Pande and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, reached Ace of Spades Division headquarters in Rajouri after a brief stopover in Jammu.
