On Thursday, April 20th, 2023, five Indian Army soldiers were killed and another was seriously injured in a terrorist attack in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Army said in a statement that the vehicle the soldiers were traveling in came under fire from unidentified terrorists, and it caught fire because of the likely use of grenades. The deceased soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terror operations.
The Army’s Statement
According to the Army’s statement, the attack took place at approximately 1500 hours on Thursday when the Army vehicle was moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in the Rajauri sector. The Army vehicle was fired upon by unidentified terrorists, taking advantage of heavy rains and low visibility in the area. The vehicle caught fire, likely due to the use of grenades by the terrorists.
The injured soldier is receiving treatment at the Army Hospital in Rajauri. The Army has said that operations are underway to catch the perpetrators.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was briefed by Army Chief General Manoj Pande on the death of the five soldiers. The army jawans on the ground were reportedly keeping a watch on the situation and taking appropriate action.
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Political Leaders Response
Top political leaders extended their condolences over the death of the five army soldiers. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge strongly condemned the terror attack and condoled their death, saying “We are united against terrorism.” Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and extended condolences to the bereaved families, saying the news of the death of five soldiers in the terrorist attack was extremely saddening.
Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal expressed shock over the death of the soldiers and called for the strongest punishment for those “behind this cowardly attack.” People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also strongly condemned the attack in Poonch and expressed her deepest condolences to the families of the army jawans who were killed. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted, “The dastardly terrorist attack on an army vehicle in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch is highly condemnable. The whole country is united against terror.”
The terrorist attack in Poonch is a reminder of the constant threat that our brave soldiers face while fighting for the safety and security of our country. It is important to stand united against terrorism and to honor the sacrifices of our soldiers. The Indian Army’s commitment to protecting the country and its citizens is unwavering.
Source: HT
