At least five Army personnel were charred to death after unidentified terrorists fired upon vehicle moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in the Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The vehicle caught fire, due to the likely use of grenades by terrorist reports said. Search operation is underway to locate the terrorists.The incident took place on a highway in the Bhata Dhurian area, some 90 kms from Poonch. Drone surveillance is ebing conducted in the area where terrorists fired on an Indian Army truck.
As per the latest updates, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been briefed by Army Chief General Manoj Pande about the death of five soldiers in the terrorist attack. The Indian Army troops on the ground are keeping a watch on the situation and taking appropriate action.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the act. Taking to Twitter, Kharge wrote, 'Strongly condemn the terror attack on an Army vehicle in Poonch District, Jammu & Kashmir. Our deepest condolences to the families of 5 Rashtriya Rifle bravehearts. Our prayers for the injured personal. We are united against terrorism.'
The five personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles Unit deployed for Counter Terrorist operations, in this area, have unfortunately lost their lives in the incident. Another seriously injured soldier was evacuated immediately to the Army Hospital at Rajouri and is under treatment.
Earlier, it appeared that the vehicle they were travelling in caught fire because it carrying fuel oil and lubricant. "Today, at about 1500 hours, one vehicle of Indian army, while moving from Bhimber Gali to Sangiot in district Poonch (J&K), caught fire. In this tragic incident five soldiers of the Indian Army have lost their lives," Public Relations Officer (Defence), Jammu had said.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his 'anguish' by the death of five Indian Army soldiers.
Meanwhile, a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause behind the tragic incident.
