Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Addresses Protests in Jammu and Kashmir Following Civilians’ Deaths
Jammu and Kashmir: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made an official visit to the region to address the ongoing protests that erupted after the tragic death of three civilians who were detained by the Army for questioning. The civilians had been taken into custody following an ambush on two Army vehicles in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the loss of four soldiers’ lives.
While in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh met with the grieving families of the deceased and underscored the critical importance of exercising caution when dealing with civilians. He urged the Army to avoid any mistakes that could potentially harm Indian citizens.
In response to the incident, the Army has launched a thorough investigation into the deaths of the civilians. The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Safeer, Shabir Ahmad, and Showkat Hussain. However, the authenticity of a video circulating online, allegedly showing troops beating and torturing civilians, has yet to be confirmed. This video has led to accusations of custodial torture from both the affected families and various political parties.
The responsibility for the Poonch terror attack has been claimed by the People’s Anti-Fascist Front, a group linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist outfit that emerged in 2019. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region.
The recent visit by Defence Minister Singh comes shortly after Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande’s tour of the union territory. General Pande was there to review the ongoing anti-terror operation and assess the security measures being implemented.
The Pir Panjal region had remained relatively free from terrorism since 2003. However, the area has witnessed a resurgence of major attacks since October 2021, resulting in the deaths of 20 soldiers in the past seven months.
The developments in Jammu and Kashmir highlight the sensitive nature of maintaining peace and security in the region. The government and security forces face the complex task of dealing with terrorism while balancing the protection and well-being of civilians. Efforts are being made to bolster security measures and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated to bring perpetrators to justice. The defense minister’s visit further underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of affected families and maintaining a peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
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