kathua-terror-attack-exposes-network-and-road-flaws

Lack of communication and poor road conditions reportedly contributed to a terrorist attack on two army trucks in the village of Badnota, Machedi area of Billawar, Kathua district.

The attack, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and injured five others.

The Union Home Ministry has sent an NIA team to assist local police in the investigation, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation with top officials in New Delhi.

Eyewitnesses alleged that some youths saw the terrorists but could not contact local authorities due to poor mobile network coverage, according to a Daily Excelsior report.

"We heard gunshots and stayed inside our homes," one villager said. The slow-moving Army trucks, hindered by a tipper on the muddy road, became easy targets for terrorists.

Local residents expressed concern about the lack of regular police patrols and suggested that better coordination between locals and police could have prevented the attack, according to the report. "The liaison between locals and police could have been very useful," a villager noted.

The poor road conditions allegedly delayed additional Army and police reinforcements and medical aid, possibly contributing to the soldiers' deaths due to excessive blood loss. Despite their injuries, the soldiers fought back, forcing the terrorists to flee.

A high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Singh discussed strategies to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Efforts are ongoing to track down the terrorists," a police official said. Special forces, helicopters, and UAVs are being used in the search operations, which have expanded to neighbouring districts.

The attack mirrored a similar incident in April 2023 in Bhimbher Gali-Mendhar, where five soldiers were killed. Investigations are underway to determine if there is a common link between the two attacks.

Locals played a crucial role in rescuing the injured soldiers. "We hid during the firing but rushed to help afterwards," said Puran Chand Sharma, a local shopkeeper.

Another encounter occurred in Doda district, where security forces clashed with terrorists. The search operation will continue today to uncover more details.