As the Army initiated an internal investigation into the tragic civilian fatalities in the Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir, reports indicate that a Brigadier-level officer was relieved of duty on Monday. The decision to remove the officer from service and transfer them out of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch is part of the Army's response to the three reported civilian deaths in the district, with the internal inquiry being launched on the same day.
This action unfolds against the backdrop of heightened anti-terrorism operations in the area following a recent ambush by terrorists on an Army convoy. The attack resulted in the loss of four soldiers' lives last week, prompting intensive aerial surveillance and ground combing operations, particularly in the forest areas of Dera Ki Gali and Bafliyaz.
The ambush occurred near Dhatyar Morh in the Poonch district, prompting swift measures. Subsequently, three civilians were discovered dead under mysterious circumstances in Poonch's Baffliaz area on Friday.
Sources reveal that the Army is taking disciplinary measures against certain officers and reorganizing postings in response to the civilian deaths. Allegations of custodial torture by the families of the deceased have further heightened the urgency of these actions.
Amid these developments, Army Chief General Manoj Pande is scheduled to chair a significant security review meeting at White Knight Corps Headquarters in Jammu's Nagrota. Additionally, he plans to visit the troubled areas, seeking comprehensive briefings from the 16 Corps and the Rashtriya Rifles on the current state of counter-terrorist operations and the measures being implemented to fortify the counter-terrorism framework in the region.
Meanwhile, mobile internet services remained suspended for the third consecutive day in the Rajouri-Poonch sector.
The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), reportedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, has claimed responsibility for the attack on soldiers last week. The terrorists shared images from the attack site on social media, showcasing sophisticated US-made M4 carbine assault rifles.
