Army Major among 4 martyred in encounter, days after Pulwama-attack
What's the story
Just days after a CRPF convoy was attacked in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, four soldiers including an Army major were martyred in the area on Monday. The security forces launched an operation on the basis of intel about the presence of terrorists in Pulwama. In the overnight encounter, a civilian also died. The army personnel belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. Here's more.
What happened
Security forces trapped terrorists in Pulwama's village
J&K police, army, and paramilitary forces cordoned off Pinglana village in the district after learning that 2-3 terrorists were hiding in a house. As the forces tried to neutralize them, they started the gunfire. Initially, five army personnel were injured and were rushed to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. Four men among the injured succumbed to injuries.
Information
Gunfire resumed after hours of silence
According to TOI, those who lost their lives were: Major DS Dondial, Head Constable Save Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar, and Sepoy Hari Singh. After silence for a few hours, the gun exchange resumed early Monday morning. Locals claimed both sides traded heavy fire.
Attack
Last week, India lost bravehearts after JeM attacked CRPF convoy
This encounter comes close to heels of the barbaric Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred. On February 14, a terrorist named Adil Ahmad Dar rammed an explosive-laced vehicle into one of the buses of CRPF convoy triggering an intense blast. Adil belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed and had joined the notorious terrorist outfit last year. He hailed from Pulwama.
Statement
Meanwhile, PM Modi talks big, says sacrifices won't be forgotten
The Pulwama episode, the worst terror attack to hit the valley in decades, made the entire nation angry and sad in equal proportions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked everyone to remain patient and said the sacrifices won't go in vain. "Terrorists will pay a huge price," he had said. He even revealed security forces have been given freedom to give an apt reply.