Poonch : THE BRAVEHEARTS WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES

Five soldiers namely Havildar Mandeep Singh, L/ Naik Debashish Baswal, L/ Naik Kulwant Singh, Sepoy Harkrishan Singh and Sepoy Sewak Singh laid down their lives while carrying out Road Opening Operations in Poonch Sector on 21 Apr 23. They faced a terrorist attack while carrying out their duties.

According to the Army’s 16 Corps based in Nagrota, the soldiers belonged to one of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles unit, and were stationed in the region for the purpose of conducting counterterrorist operations.

After their vehicle was fired upon by terrorists in the Poonch sector of Jammu, five soldiers lost their lives and one was injured. Efforts were made to locate those responsible for the attack, but as of now, there is no clear information regarding the identity of the perpetrators.

However, top intelligence sources have speculated that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was behind the Poonch terror attack. Army’s Special Forces detachments have started hunting for these terrorists along with other units of both Romeo Force and 25 Infantry Division.

“This attack was done by Lashkar. This group is sitting in Rajouri and Poonch jungles for a period of time. They come out, commit the crime and go back to their places. Earlier, they also attacked a house in Rajouri,” sources said.

Intelligence sources have also said that linking the incident to the upcoming G20 summit, which is scheduled to be held in September, is not correct as the terror groups are “looking for an opportunity,” the report added.

As per the statement issued by the Army, the attackers who remain unidentified, took advantage of the heavy rainfall and reduced visibility in the vicinity. They launched a probable grenade attack, causing the army truck to catch fire.

The soldier who sustained injuries is currently undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital located in Rajouri.