Insights on Rajouri Encounter – Training Abroad, Strides Against Terrorism, and Ongoing Challenges
In a recent briefing following the Rajouri encounter, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the northern army commander, provided crucial insights into the operation. He indicated that the slain terrorists in Rajouri were likely trained abroad, specifically in Afghanistan and other countries. This revelation underscores the global dimension of the threat faced by security forces.
The encounter, resulting in the elimination of two highly trained terrorists, is considered a significant blow to the terrorism and its ecosystem in the Rajouri-Poonch area. Lt Gen Dwivedi emphasized that the supreme sacrifices made by five army soldiers, including two captains, have heightened troop morale, reinforcing their commitment to eliminating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.
When questioned about the active terrorist presence in the Peer Panjal range, Lt Gen Dwivedi noted that the killing of the two terrorists in Rajouri has dealt a major setback to terror activities in the region. He estimated that approximately 20 to 25 terrorists are still operating in the Poonch-Rajouri areas. However, with active support from the police and leveraging human intelligence, the military aims to eradicate terrorism from the region within a year.
Providing details on the encounter, it was disclosed that one of the slain terrorists was identified as Qari, a top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander from Pakistan. Qari was known for his expertise in handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sniping, demonstrating the diverse skill set of the eliminated terrorists.
In a separate tribute, LG Manoj Sinha and DGP RR Swain honored the fallen soldiers in a wreath-laying ceremony, acknowledging their sacrifice in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
