STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Terrorists opened fire at an Army convoy Monday morning, targeting an ambulance, in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu region, following which special forces and NSG commandos launched an operation killing one of the attackers, officials said.
In a first, the Army also pressed its four BMP-II infantry combat vehicles for surveillance and strengthening the cordon around the attack site near the Assan temple in Jogwan village along the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhattal area of Khour, the officials said.
The Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty or BMP-II is a 1980-era Soviet Union Infantry Combat Vehicle which has 30mm fully stabilised automatic cannon, 7.62 mm Machine Gun and 4 kms range anti-tank wire-guided ‘Konkurs’ Missile. It can carry seven troopers and three crew members.
It is also equipped with the Night Vision Device and Smoke Grenade Launchers system and has a maximum speed of 45 kms per hour.
Helicopters were also pressed into action to locate the hiding terrorists in the jungles of the area.
The officials said the terrorists, believed to be three in number who infiltrated into India from across the border the night before, opened fire on the Army convoy around 6:30 am, targeting an ambulance. Both of its occupants, including the driver, were unharmed.
As the troops retaliated, the attackers fled towards the forest area nearby and were later located inside a basement, the officials said, adding there was an exchange of fire until 11 am when the guns fell silent.
The situation intensified around 2:45 pm again, leading to explosive sounds and heavy gunfire as the Army’s special forces and National Security Guards (NSG) commandos engaged the terrorists.
“The body of one terrorist along with weapon has been recovered. Operations are under progress,” the Army’s Jammu-based White knight Corps said in an update Monday evening.
As the troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, an Army dog was fatally hit by a bullet during the encounter. “We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero — a valiant Indian Army dog, Phantom,” it said.
The operation was suspended as the darkness fell and the Army illuminated the area. Officials said the operation will resume with the first light of the day on Tuesday.
Four BMP-II infantry combat vehicles crossed the Tawi River and were strategically positioned near the site of the gunfight. Additional forces were sent to the area.
Officials said that besides an AK assault rifle, several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the killed terrorist, whose identity and group affiliation was not immediately known.
Jammu Zone Additional Director General of Police Anand Jain and senior army and paramilitary officers are at the scene to oversee the operation.
Earlier, the Nagrota-based XVI corps of the Army or the White Knight Corps, said that the terrorists fired upon the convoy but could not harm any soldier.
“Swift retaliation by own troops ensured foiling of the attempt and no injuries. The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation to neutralise the terrorists is ongoing,” it said in a post on X.
A police spokesperson indicated that the terrorists were observed near Assan Mandir in the Akhnoor district and had fired multiple rounds at the army ambulance, which was hit by nearly a dozen bullets.
The latest encounter in the Jammu region comes amid a surge in terrorist activities in Kashmir where seven attacks have occurred in the past two weeks, resulting in 13 fatalities, including two soldiers.
BJP leader Gaurav Gupta, former Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on an Army ambulance in Akhnoor, Jammu. Expressing deep concern over the rising frequency of such incidents, he called for heightened vigilance and unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Gupta stated, “The heinous attack underscores the vile mentality behind these despicable acts. Such attacks on our security forces are deplorable and a grave concern.” He urged citizens to report suspicious activities, emphasizing that cooperation with security forces is crucial for maintaining peace. Gupta reaffirmed the BJP’s unwavering support for the armed forces and called for strict action from authorities to enhance security. He also appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to strengthen intelligence efforts against anti-national elements, asserting, “The safety of our citizens and the security of our nation are paramount.”
The Shiv Sena Dogra Front on Monday burnt Pakistani flags here in protest against the terror attack on an Army convoy in the Akhnoor border area of Jammu district.
The organisation said that there have been nine incidents in the past few days since the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, raising serious concerns on the security front.
Led by President Ashok Gupta, scores of Shiv Sena Dogra Front functionaries staged a protest against Pakistan in response to Monday’s terror attack in Akhnoor.
Raising anti-Pakistan and anti-terrorist slogans, they burned the Pakistani flags. The protesters expressed frustration with the newly elected government, questioning its handling of security amid a surge in terrorist activities since its formation.
Gupta and the demonstrators raised concerns about overground workers who allegedly support militants in executing such attacks, calling for stronger action to ensure the safety of the region.
“There have been nine incidents in the past 12 days in Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the government. This raises serious concerns on the security front,” Gupta said.
He emphasized that the Centre and the J-K government, along with the lieutenant governor, should stand united in the fight against terrorism.
“The security agencies should ruthlessly deal with terrorists and their ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.