Jammu and Kashmir: In a shocking incident, an officer allegedly opened fire and exploded grenades on Thursday injuring at least five army personnel, including three officers in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to official sources, the incident occurred without provocation during a shooting practice session at the Neeli post near Thanamandi in the district. The officer said to be of the rank of major, opened fire on his colleagues and subordinates and then took shelter in the armoury of the unit.
Tense situation lasted nearly eight hours
After taking shelter in the armoury he lobbed grenades when the commanding officer, along with his deputy and medical officer moved near the building in an effort to persuade him to surrender. As per the sources, the tense situation lasted nearly eight hours before the officer was overpowered inside the armoury. Firing practices at the camp have been going on for the past several days, added sources.
Army evacuated a village near the post
Shortly after the incident, the army evacuated a village in the close vicinity of the armoury as a precautionary measure. The army, however, claimed that an officer was injured in a likely grenade accident at a post in Rajouri. "On 05 Oct 23 one officer was injured in a likely grenade accident at a post in Rajouri sector. The officer evacuated and stable post-initial treatment. Further investigation of the incident in progress," the White Knight Corps of the army posted on X.
Three officers were injured
Sources claimed that all three officers were injured when a grenade, hurled by the accused, exploded near them. The condition of the second-in-command of the unit was stated to be "critical". The sources said two other soldiers were also injured in the indiscriminate firing by the accused, who was overpowered around 11 pm.
No terrorist attack, it was an internal incident at the camp
On the incident, Jammu-based defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said in a message, "I have received calls about some firing/terrorist attack on army camp in General Area Rajouri. I would like to inform you that no terrorist attack has occurred, it is an unfortunate internal incident of the camp."
(with inputs from PTI)
