NEW DELHI: In a concerning escalation of violence, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed multiple terror attacks over the past two days, prompting security forces to intensify their operations in the region. The attacks have resulted in injuries to several security personnel and have raised alarm among local political leaders.
Encounter in Srinagar leads to terrorist death
A Pakistani terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed during an encounter in the Khanyar area of Srinagar on Saturday morning. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation following intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists. As the operation unfolded, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response from the security forces.
“During the operation, a fire broke out in the house where the terrorists were holed up, creating a thick plume of smoke,” an official reported. The slain terrorist was noted to be one of the senior-most members of the LeT, according to a senior police officer.
Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and two policemen sustained injuries and were transported to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital, where their condition remains stable.
Anantnag operation results in additional casualties
In a separate incident, security forces neutralized two more terrorists in Anantnag during an ongoing anti-terrorist operation in the Halkan Gali area. “Based on specific input, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF. The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on our troops, which led to effective retaliation,” the Chinar Corps reported on X.
The operation continues in Anantnag, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
2 labourers from UP hurt in terror attack in Budgam; 5th such incident in J&K since October 18
Two labourers from Uttar Pradesh were shot at by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday evening, officials said. Sufiyan and Usman were injured after they came under attack in the Mazhama area of Magam in the central Kashmir district, they said, adding that the duo were taken to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable.
This was the fifth terror attack in the Kashmir valley since a new government was formed in the Union Territory last month.
Rising violence: Political leaders respond
The recent wave of attacks has sparked condemnation from various political figures.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah expressed their sorrow over the attack on civilians in Mazhama, Budgam, where two non-local labourers were shot by terrorists.
He also demanded an investigation in Budgam terror attack and said that he have a doubt that is it done by the people who were trying to destabilise the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It should be investigated. How is it that the government has come and this is happening? I have a doubt that is it done by the people who were trying to destabilise the government…If they (terrorists) are caught then we will get to know who is doing this. They should not be killed, they should be caught and asked who is behind them…We should check if there is an agency who is trying to destabilise Omar Abdullah,” Farooq Abdullah said.
‘Cowardly attack during festivities’
Former Deputy CM Kavinder Gupta described the attack as a cowardly attack during festivities.
“There are some people here who are working as per the instructions of Pakistan, this is a cowardly attack on a festive occasion. This is wrong…there is a need to identify people who are carrying out these attacks. There are so many people here who still work as Over Ground Workers and Underground Workers,” he said.
‘Why sudden rise in attacks post-election?’
NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also questioned the sudden rise in attacks post-elections, asserting that the BJP regime should be held accountable for the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “Why this sudden rise in these attacks immediately after the recent elections?” he asked.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the violence, calling it “most unfortunate,” while Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari described the attack as “the worst form of cowardice.”
The Peoples’ Conference, led by Sajad Lone, also condemned the violence, labeling it as “senseless.” “We strongly condemn the cowardly attack on two innocent individuals who were shot at by militants in Budgam,” the party stated.
‘Not an issue of security lapses’: Rajnath Singh
Terming the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as “unfortunate”, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh said there is no security lapse, adding that security forces are giving befitting reply to the terrorists.
Singh claimed that the number of attacks taking place in the valley have been reduced compared to the earlier times.
Speaking to reporters in UP’s Kanpur, Singh said, “This is not an issue of security lapses. Compared to earlier times, attacks have been reduced. Our security forces are on alert, such a situation will come that from there (J-K) terror activities will be fully wiped out and J&K will develop fast.”
“The attacks that happened were unfortunate, our security forces are giving befitting reply also, so many terrorists have been killed,” he said.
BJP regime should be held accountable: JKNC MP Ruhullah Mehdi
After a terrorist attack in Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and MP from Srinagar Ruhullah Mehdi said that the central-led BJP government should be held responsible for the attack.
However, he expressed grief over the attacks and extended his prayers to the victims and their families.
Holding the BJP responsible for the recent attack, Mehdi further alleged that there was an increase in attacks immediately after the recent legislative elections concluded in the territory in which the NC-Congress alliance won a majority and formed their government.
In a post on X, Mehdi wrote, “Saddened by the news of the terrorist attack on the civilians in Mazhama Budgam. My sympathies and prayers with the victims and their families. The BJP regime which is directly in control of the security in J&K should be held accountable for these repeated failures. Also want to ask why this sudden rise in these attacks immediately after the recent elections?”
A broader pattern of violence
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence in the region. Since the formation of a new government last month, this marks the fifth terror attack in Kashmir. Previous attacks included the tragic deaths of two soldiers and two Army porters on October 24 and the killing of a doctor along with six construction workers on October 20.
As security operations continue and investigations unfold, the local populace remains on edge, grappling with the harsh realities of ongoing violence in their communities.