'Every Soldier Important': Rajnath Singh Speaks on Poonch Terror Attack, Reviews J&K Security

In the aftermath of the ambush on army vehicles in Poonch last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Jammu to review the security situation in the area. Singh’s visit comes at a time when the situation in the border area of Jammu and Kashmir, especially Poonch, is tense following a terrorist attack there last week.

The Defence Minister will also visit Rajouri to review the security situation in the valley.

Speaking to the media in Jammu on the Poonch terrorist attack, Singh said, “Seeing the seriousness of the incident, we are taking necessary steps. Every single soldier is important to us. Security and intelligence agencies are working together to stop such incidents. We can take such situations for granted. Government is standing with our soldiers.”

Four Army soldiers were killed, and several others were injured after the terrorist ambushed two Army vehicles on Thursday at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch. Following this, three civilians, who were picked up by the Army for questioning, were found dead on Friday.

VIDEO | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Jammu on a day-long visit to review the security situation. pic.twitter.com/VeLTygXglb

While in J&K, the Minister is slated to spend some time with the Army officials during his visit and may also interact with some civilians in those areas.

He is also likely to visit the area and hold meetings with top commanders on the measures being taken to deal with the situation.

He may also meet families of dead civilians. The family members of the victims will be brought to Rajouri from the adjoining Poonch district’s Topa Pir village near Buffliaz for the meeting, Indian Express reported quoting sources.

Singh’s visit follows Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Manoj Pande’s visit to ground zero in Poonch on Monday where he reviewed the anti-terrorist operation underway in Surankote and nearby Rajouri district’s Thanamandi forest belt.

General Pande asked security personnel to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday also announced compensation and jobs to the families of the dead civilians and said the medico-legal formalities were conducted and legal action on the matter has been initiated.

The Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the civilian deaths and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of the investigation.