Poonch attack: Experts call for strengthening security protocols along Line of Control

The recent surge in militancy incidents along the Line of Control LoC in the Jammu region has prompted security and defense experts to emphasise the immediate need for reinforcing the security apparatus and intelligence network in the troubled areaThe year has witnessed a significant escalation in violence with 59 casualties including 24 security personnel and 28 militantsRetired Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh former head of the Nagrotabased XVI Corps acknowledged the challenging terrain where the recent attack occurred and stressed the importance of being prepared for all eventualities He called for a comprehensive analysis of the persistent setbacks in the region pointing to an intricate nexus between smugglers drug cartels and individuals within the system Singh known for his involvement in the Balakote strike in 2019 emphasised the urgency of breaking this unholy allianceReflecting on the Balakote strike which targeted terror camps General Singh advised a revisit to basic jungle warfare training highlighting the limitations of relying solely on technical inputsEchoing General Singhrsquos concerns over the rising militancyrelated incidents Colonel Retired S S Pathania underscored the need to fortify LoC management and intelligence networks He questioned the sudden emboldening of militants in the region urging a strategic focus on enhancing security measuresAlso Read The complex landscape of INDIA Alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha pollsAnother security expert Captain Retired Anil Gaur expressed his apprehensions about the security situation and called for a complete overhaul of the intelligence network Gaur argued that Pakistans efforts to revive terrorism in the region necessitate a robust response identifying existing gaps in counterterrorism strategiesThe recent ambush in Poonch resulting in the death of five soldiers and injuries to two others underscores the precarious security situation The attackers targeted Army vehicles highlighting the vulnerability of the region The dense forests between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz leading to Chamrer and Bhata Dhurian forests pose significant challenges for counterterrorism operationsWith a total of 59 casualties in militancy incidents in the border districts of Rajouri Poonch and Reasi the urgency to address security lapses is paramount The encounters in these districts have claimed the lives of 19 security personnel and 28 militants necessitating a comprehensive approachDefence expert Qamar Agha attributed the recent militant attacks to Pakistans renewed efforts to promote militancy in the region Agha highlighted Pakistans intention to disrupt the developmental agenda in Jammu and Kashmir and underscored the need for diplomatic measures to address the situationPolitical concerns and demandsPolitical parties in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed grave concern over the rising militancy incidents Ravinder Sharma VicePresident of JK Congress condemned the recent attack highlighting the gravity of the situation and its impact on the regions peace He called for immediate and decisive action to eliminate terrorists and restore a sense of security among the peopleRavinder Raina President of Jammu and Kashmir BJP condemned the attack and reassured that Pakistans attempts to revive terrorism would be thwarted He highlighted ongoing operations and stressed the importance of eliminating those responsibleManish Sahni Shiv Senas JK unit president echoed the concerns and called for a revamp of the security setup and intelligence network Various organisations including Jammu Statehood Organisation and Dogra Front Shiv Sena staged protests condemning the rise in terror incidents and demanding increased security measuresCivilian deaths and army involvementThe aftermath of the Poonch ambush revealed a grim development as three civilians initially detained by the Army for questioning were found dead under suspicious circumstances The incident has raised questions about the Armys conduct during detentions and has further escalated tensions in the regionJammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah strongly criticised the civilian deaths expressing skepticism about the resolution through the replacement of army officers He called for a thorough investigation into the incident questioning the reasons behind the alleged torture of innocent civilians Abdullah stressed the need for a serious examination of the situation and urged authorities to find a resolutionAbdullah expressed deep concern about the escalating violence and civilian deaths urging a diplomatic approach to prevent a situation similar to Gaza He criticised the Modi government for its failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with Pakistan and emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence with neighboursAbdullah dismissed claims of normalcy after the abrogation of Article 370 stating that the ground reality contradicts the governments narrative He called for a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of militancy and a holistic approach to end the bloodshed