Rajnath Singh said in a post on X, "I am deeply saddened by the death of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the nation stands firmly with them in this difficult time. Anti-terrorist operations are underway and our troops are committed to maintaining peace and order in the area. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in this cowardly terrorist attack.”
On Monday, terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in Badnota area of Kathua district, in which five soldiers including a JCO were martyred and five others were injured.
A large-scale CASO (cordon and search operation) is being conducted in the area to search for terrorists.
To ensure that the perpetrators of Monday's terrorist attack were neutralized, elite para commandos of the Army were airdropped into the area during CASO.
Meanwhile, the attack has been widely condemned by the general public and political leaders.
This is the second major terrorist incident in Kathua district in the last four weeks.
Two terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed in firing during search and cordon operations in Hiranagar area of Kathia district on June 12 and June 14.
On June 9, a major terrorist attack took place on innocent pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu division, in which terrorists opened fire on a bus of pilgrims returning from Shiv-Khori temple.
After the bus fell into the ditch, the terrorists killed the driver and kept firing on the bus. Nine pilgrims were killed and 44 others were injured in that attack.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP, R.R. Swain has said that a group of foreign terrorists are active in Pahari Poonch, Rajouri and surrounding districts who are taking advantage of the geographical location and remoteness of the area.
On Monday, terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in Badnota area of Kathua district, in which five soldiers including a JCO were martyred and five others were injured.
A large-scale CASO (cordon and search operation) is being conducted in the area to search for terrorists.
To ensure that the perpetrators of Monday's terrorist attack were neutralized, elite para commandos of the Army were airdropped into the area during CASO.
Meanwhile, the attack has been widely condemned by the general public and political leaders.
This is the second major terrorist incident in Kathua district in the last four weeks.
Two terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed in firing during search and cordon operations in Hiranagar area of Kathia district on June 12 and June 14.
On June 9, a major terrorist attack took place on innocent pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu division, in which terrorists opened fire on a bus of pilgrims returning from Shiv-Khori temple.
After the bus fell into the ditch, the terrorists killed the driver and kept firing on the bus. Nine pilgrims were killed and 44 others were injured in that attack.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP, R.R. Swain has said that a group of foreign terrorists are active in Pahari Poonch, Rajouri and surrounding districts who are taking advantage of the geographical location and remoteness of the area.