High Alert in Jammu and Kashmir Following Surge in Terror Attacks

The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint operation against terrorists in the Akar Forest. High alert has been issued ahead of Independence Day. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported 28 deaths in terror-related incidents and counter-terror operations up to July 21 this year.

Hours after the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint operation against terrorists in the Akar Forest near Patnitop on Tuesday, security personnel established contact with the terrorists. The operation is ongoing, and a special Naka has been set up on the Batote-Doda highway.

Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have been placed on high alert ahead of Independence Day. The heightened security measures follow an encounter on Saturday in which two Army soldiers lost their lives. Jammu has witnessed an uptick in terror attacks recently, including an assault on an army convoy in Kathua and skirmishes in Doda and Udhampur.

In July, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported to the Lok Sabha that 28 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed in 11 terror-related incidents up to July 21 this year. Last month, Indian Army troops foiled an attack by the Pakistan Border Action Team along the Line of Control in Kupwara district's Machchal sector. The skirmish resulted in the deaths of one Pakistani intruder and one Indian Army soldier, while four others, including a major-rank officer, were injured.

(With inputs from agencies.)