Poonch Attack: Mobile Internet Services Suspended Amid Counter-Terrorism Operation In Jammu And Kashmir

The mobile internet services were suspended in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir early Saturday amid the ongoing searches. Security forces are engaged in tracking terrorists responsible for an ambush on two Army vehicles, resulting in the loss of five soldiers, according to officials.

The suspension of mobile internet services in these twin border districts follows the mysterious demise of three individuals allegedly detained by the Army for questioning. Public resentment erupted after videos surfaced, depicting the torture of these suspects.

While the Army and civil authorities maintain a tight-lipped stance on the situation, official sources disclose that the suspension serves as a precaution to curb the spread of rumours and thwart potential disruptions to law and order orchestrated by miscreants.

Senior officials from the Army, police, and civil administration closely monitor the situation. Additionally, extra police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to sensitive areas within the districts to ensure the maintenance of peace.

The deadly ambush occurred when three to four terrorists targeted an army gypsy and a truck at Dhatyar Morh, situated between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station in Poonch on Thursday afternoon. The attackers claimed the lives of five soldiers and left two others injured. Following the assault, reports suggest that the terrorists mutilated the bodies of at least two soldiers and confiscated their weapons.

In response to the attack, an extensive search operation was immediately launched in densely forested areas, including nearby Thanamandi in Rajouri. As of now, there have been no reported fresh contacts with the fleeing terrorists, as per official statements.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, three individuals detained for questioning in connection with Thursday's attack died under mysterious circumstances on Friday. Identified as Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27), and Shabir Ahmad (32) from Topa Peer village in Bufliaz, the cause of their deaths remains unknown. Their bodies have been handed over to their families for last rites, while investigations into the circumstances of their demise continue.