Anti-Terrorist Operation: Internet services suspended in Jammu-Kashmir’s Poonch, Rajouri

As security forces continued their massive search operation to find terrorists responsible for the recent ambush on two Army vehicles that left five soldiers dead, mobile Internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Rajouri districts early on Saturday, officials said.

The mysterious deaths of three people who were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning and the release of videos allegedly depicting the suspects being tortured led to widespread anger resulting in the suspension of mobile Internet services in the twin border districts.

As per PTI, both Army and civil authorities are tight-lipped on the ground situation, official sources said mobile Internet services were suspended both in Poonch and Rajouri districts as a precautionary measure to check rumour-mongering and prevent miscreants from creating any law and order problem.

As per sources, to maintain peace, more police and paramilitary personnel were stationed in sensitive areas of the districts and senior Army, police, and civil officers were keeping an eye on the situation.

Five soldiers were killed and two others were injured late on Thursday afternoon when three to four heavily armed terrorists attacked an army gypsy and a truck at Dhatyar Morh, which is under the Surankote police station’s jurisdiction in Poonch and lies between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz.

Following the attack, a massive search and rescue operation was initiated in the heavily forested areas, including Thanamandi in Rajouri. However, according to the officials, no contact has been established with the absconding terrorists yet.

Three people who were being questioned by the Army about the attack on Thursday died mysteriously on Friday. According to the sources, while the inquiry into their deaths is ongoing, their bodies have been given to their relatives for final rites.