Pakistani terrorists behind Gulmarg convoy attack: Army

Following a deadly ambush on an Army convoy near the popular tourist area of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, which resulted in the death of two soldiers and two civilian porters, security forces have launched an extensive manhunt for the attackers. The Army has identified the assailants as “Pakistani terrorists” and described the attack as an attempt to disrupt the ongoing progress towards peace in Kashmir.

On Friday, additional reinforcements were deployed, and a search operation was launched in the rugged areas surrounding the attack site. According to a senior security official, the targeted convoy belonged to the 18 Rashtriya Rifles and was en route to Gulmarg when it was ambushed in the Butapathri area. This remote region, near the Line of Control (LoC), is off-limits to the local population and is heavily patrolled by the Army, highlighting the attackers’ ability to penetrate a restricted and high-security area.

Security officials revealed that the ambush location, chosen by the attackers, was a curve on the road, which forced the convoy vehicles to slow down, providing the attackers with a tactical advantage to inflict casualties. The sudden onslaught of gunfire led to the higher casualty count, said the official. Following the attack, it is suspected that the terrorists fled into dense forest nearby, leveraging the limited visibility due to dusk and using the natural cover provided by the terrain.

The Srinagar-based Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) reported that after the initial attack, the troops reacted swiftly, returning fire and forcing the attackers to retreat. The attackers reportedly left behind a weapon and a rucksack, indicating a hasty escape into the forested area.

The Army identified the two fallen soldiers as Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah from Anantnag district and Rifleman Jeevan Singh from Sirsa district. According to the PRO, both soldiers demonstrated exceptional bravery, retaliating despite being injured, which ultimately forced the attackers to flee and prevented additional casualties. The Army paid tribute to their sacrifice, acknowledging that their actions highlighted the Army’s commitment to national security and the fight against terrorism in the region.

In a statement, the PRO emphasised that the attack near the LoC is part of a calculated effort by “Pakistani terrorists” to foster fear and disrupt stability in Kashmir, where the security situation has shown signs of improvement. The “reign of terror” remains the primary ideology of these groups, the PRO noted, as they continue to target both security personnel and local civilians.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and paid homage to the soldiers and porters who lost their lives, stating that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. Security forces remain on high alert across the region, particularly in areas near the LoC, as search operations intensify.

Rs 6 lakh compensation for kin of porters

• The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday gave Rs 6 lakh each to the kin of two Army porters killed in a terror attack in Baramulla district a day earlier.
• The compensation, paid through cheques, was handed over by Baramulla Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa.
• The porters were killed in a brutal attack in Bota Pathri, Gulmarg, on Thursday.
• Sherpa visited the house of Chaudhary Mushtaq Ahmad in Nowshera Boniyar and Zahoor Ahmad Mir in Barnate Boniyar to condole with their families and hand over the money, an official spokesperson said. PTI