Udhampur Encounter Claims Life of CRPF Officer In a recent surge of violence, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inspector was killed during a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on August 19 in the remote Dudu area of Basantgarh. The joint CRPF and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police patrol party was ambushed by terrorists, resulting in the death of the CRPF officer from the 187th battalion. The inspector succumbed to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound while being transported to a hospital.
Rising Terror Activities in Jammu Region
Today’s attack marks a troubling escalation in terrorist activities in the Jammu region, which has been relatively quiet compared to Kashmir in recent years. This increase in violence is particularly noted in the southern reaches of the Pir Panjal range, an area characterized by dense forests and steep mountains that offer concealment for militants.
Recent attacks in the region include the killing of Army Captain Deepak Singh in Doda on August 14, and the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian in Anantnag on August 10. There have also been attacks on army convoys and skirmishes in Kathua, Doda, and Udhampur, along with a failed assault by the Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) in Kupwara’s Machchal sector.
Government Response and Security Measures
Following these incidents, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The meeting focused on the surge in terror attacks and strategies to counter them. Intelligence reports have indicated potential targets, including key highways crucial for the region’s connectivity.
In response, additional CRPF troops and local police have been deployed to patrol highways and surrounding areas. Security audits have identified several vulnerable sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border, where infiltration and militant activities are a concern. Despite efforts to enhance border security, progress on border fencing remains slow, with only 70 kilometers completed out of the planned 180 kilometers.
Upcoming Assembly Elections
The escalating violence comes ahead of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4. This marks the first Assembly elections in the Union Territory since 2014, aimed at restoring democratic processes in the region.
Ongoing Search for Terrorists
Following today’s attack, reinforcements have been dispatched to the area, and a search operation is underway to locate and neutralize the militants responsible. The CRPF and SOG are working in coordination to address the threat and enhance security in the region.