In the heart of New Delhi, the Congress voiced its concern on Sunday, stating that the recent assault in Poonch reflects a troubling pattern of terrorist activities in the region. Asserting their commitment, the party and its allies within the INDIA bloc pledged relentless efforts to fortify the counter-terrorism framework in Jammu and Kashmir post the Lok Sabha election outcome.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening near Shahsitar in the Surankote area, resulted in injuries to five IAF personnel, one of whom tragically succumbed to his wounds at a military medical facility, according to officials.
In response, a meticulously coordinated joint operation by the army and police has been initiated across various locations, including Shahsitar, Gursai, Sanai, and Sheendara Top, aimed at thwarting terrorist activities.
Expressing solidarity, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the cowardly act of terrorism, emphasizing unity in the face of such threats.
Highlighting the escalation of violence, Ramesh pointed out that the Surankote attack underscores a concerning surge in terrorist assaults, particularly targeting security forces, in the mountainous Rajouri-Poonch region near the Line of Control.
“The loss of 25 brave security personnel and eight innocent civilians since January 1st, 2023, in the Rajouri-Poonch area is deeply troubling. This stands in stark contrast to the relative calm observed in the region between 2007 and 2014,” he remarked.
Post June 4th, Ramesh affirmed the Congress’s unwavering commitment, pledging full support to bolster the counter-terrorism infrastructure, while also emphasizing the empowerment of the political and civil sectors to foster a collective societal deterrent against terrorism in the expansive and rugged terrain of Rajouri-Poonch.
Echoing these sentiments, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the party’s staunch condemnation of the attack and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, emphasizing national unity in solidarity with the armed forces.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the despicable assault and expressing condolences to the fallen soldier’s family, while also wishing a speedy recovery to the injured personnel.
