Security forces engaged in a gun battle with terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The encounter began after security forces established contact with the group hiding in the higher reaches of the Pathi Nalla Khanerd area. Meanwhile, opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir announced a joint protest in Kathua on August 8 to demand the restoration of statehood and the rollback of amendments empowering the lieutenant governor.
On the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir is under heightened security measures. The BJP celebrates the occasion, while opposition parties hold protests, deeming it a ‘black day.’ Increased terror activity in the region further escalates security concerns.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has dismissed six government officials, including five policemen, for their alleged involvement in financing terrorism through drug sales. The officials were found to be part of a narco-terror network linked to Pakistan’s ISI and other terror groups. This dismissal brings the total number of government employees sacked on similar grounds since 2019 to 70.
The Indian Army successfully repelled an attack by a Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) in the Kamakari sector of Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. One Pakistani intruder was killed and five Indian soldiers were injured during the operation.
The US State Department has issued a travel advisory for India, urging its citizens to avoid Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and regions affected by Naxalite activity due to safety concerns. The advisory cites high crime rates, including sexual assault, and the risk of terrorist attacks as reasons for the warnings. Several regions in India have been designated as ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ due to the heightened danger.
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration has dismissed four more government employees, including two policemen, without an inquiry, citing security concerns. This brings the total number of employees sacked in the last four years to 64. The dismissals, based on Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution, have drawn criticism from some who argue they lack due process. Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed confidence that the security situation in the Union Territory will improve soon.
The Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists in the Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in an exchange of fire that left one soldier injured. This incident comes amidst a recent surge in terror attacks in the Jammu region, including an attack on an army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur.
The Congress party has slammed the BJP-led NDA government over repeated security lapses in Jammu and Kashmir following the death of four Indian Army personnel in a terrorist encounter in Doda. Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders have called for accountability and action against those responsible for the security breaches, highlighting the alarming increase in terrorist attacks since PM Modi’s third term.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has implemented stringent security measures for the Muharram procession in Srinagar, including a designated route and a traffic advisory to minimize disruptions for commuters. The procession will follow its traditional path through the city.
Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a new challenge from terrorists who are employing ‘conservation and consolidation’ tactics. These terrorists infiltrate, blend in with the local population, and wait for instructions before attacking. This strategy, coupled with the use of encrypted communication and a decline in human intelligence, makes tracking them difficult. Officials urge heightened surveillance and public vigilance to counter this hidden threat.
