Army to bring more troops into Poonch-Rajouri after terrorist attack: Sources

The Army is set to bring in more troops into Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch-Rajouri sector to address terrorist activities, according to sources.

There is a plan to strengthen the counter-terrorist grid in the area by increasing troop strength, sources added. This comes after the terrorist attack on two Army vehicles in Poonch on December 21, which killed four soldiers.

According to sources, troops will be mobilised from different commands across the force. A brigade of troops was deployed a few months ago, and now another brigade is scheduled to be brought in.

The Army is also conducting an investigation into the death of three civilians a day after the terrorist attack in Poonch. According to sources, the Army is taking disciplinary action against some officers and rejigging the postings of others in the wake of the civilian deaths in the region amid allegations of custodial torture by the families of the deceased.

The Army has also launched a probe involving a Brigadier-level officer as part of its inquiry into the three civilian deaths, sources said. The investigation will also address the recurring terrorist attacks on Army personnel within the officer’s area of responsibility.