By: Yaqoob Lala
Srinagar, Oct 26 (KINS): Following a recent terrorist attack near the Line of Control (LoC) in Botapathri, North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, have intensified their search efforts across the challenging terrain from Babarishi to the Botapathri hills to track down the terrorists.
The incident, which led to the tragic deaths of three soldiers and two civilian porters, has prompted a large-scale security operation aimed at tracking down the attackers.
SSP Baramulla Mohmmad Zaid Malik, speaking to news agency KINS said, “The search operation in Botapathri is going on, with police, Army, and paramilitary forces actively involved across the area,”
“We are covering the stretch from Babarishi to the Botapathri hills as we work to locate those responsible for this attack.”
The SSP further noted that the current search effort builds upon prior counter-terror operations in the District.
“Before this attack, we had launched anti-terror operations in the Pattan and Keeri area based on specific inputs,” he explained.
“At present, based on gathered intelligence, we believe three to four terrorists may have been involved, but we are carefully verifying the facts to ensure accuracy.”
Addressing unverified images circulating on social media claiming to show scenes from the attack, SSP Baramulla exercised caution. “I have not seen any such images, and at this point, they seem baseless,” he said, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified information.
The attack occurred at Nagin Dhok, a rugged area close to the LoC, where a convoy from the Rashtriya Rifles came under heavy fire from concealed attackers.
This attack led to tragic casualties among the soldiers and porters, sparking a full-scale search operation led by senior officials from both the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The forces employed Army helicopters and drones early Friday morning to scour the Botapathri area and its surrounding hilly terrain, making thorough use of aerial and ground surveillance. Given the area’s proximity to the LoC, officials suspect this may be a case of infiltration, though investigations continue.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and conveyed deep respect for their sacrifices.(KINS)
