Defence Minister Holds Crucial Meet Amid Rising Terror Incidents in Jammu and Kashmir

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a significant meeting to address escalating terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Top officials attended, heightening security ahead of Independence Day. Recent attacks and encounters in the region underscore the growing threat. The government reported 28 casualties in 11 terror incidents up to July.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday to address the surge in terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Attendees included Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and other top security officials. The meeting, held in South Block, comes just a day before Independence Day on August 15, underscoring its urgency.

In response to the growing threat, security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have been placed on high alert ahead of the national celebrations to ensure public safety. Just last week, a deadly gunfight in Anantnag claimed the lives of two soldiers and a civilian. The encounter broke out during a joint operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The Union Territory has seen a spike in terror attacks in recent months, with incidents reported in Kathua, Doda, and Udhampur. In July, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported 28 fatalities in 11 terror-related incidents this year. Last month, the Indian Army thwarted a Pakistani Border Action Team attack along the LoC in Kupwara, leading to casualties on both sides.

(With inputs from agencies.)