SRINAGAR: The Indian Army on Sunday shifted a Brigadier level and three other officers looking after anti-terrorist operations in Surankote. Official sources said that disciplinary action might be allowed after thorough internal investigations. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have also lodged a First Information Report (FIR) in the matter.
Official sources confirmed that Brigadier Padam Acharya, Brigade Commander of the Rashtriya Rifles, has been removed from the unit along with three other senior Army officers following the death of three civilians and injuries to about 10 others who were picked up by the Army for questioning.
The Army has also ordered a thorough internal investigation into the deaths of three civilians following allegations that they died in its custody.
FLASH : Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command paid homage to Naik Birendra Singh, Naik Karan Kumar, Rifleman Chandan Kumar and Rifleman Gautam Kumar who sacrificed their lives in the #PoonchAttack in #JammuAndKashmir.
Reports… pic.twitter.com/9QZp2HQESy
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 24, 2023
The three civilians along with others were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning in the wake of the killing of four Army jawans in an ambush by terrorists in Poonch on December 21 and they were found dead under mysterious circumstances the same evening.
The Army on Saturday said it stands committed to extending “full support and cooperation” in the conduct of the investigation. The civil administration has already announced compensation and compassionate appointment for the next of kin of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande is visiting Jammu today to assess the security situation in the aftermath of the Dera Ki Gali encounter in Poonch District. General Pande will visit the site of the terrorist attack at Dera Ki Gali where Army jawans including para commandos, paramilitary forces and the local police continue to carry out massive search and cordon operations for a fourth consecutive day today to track down the terrorists involved in the attack.
As per official sources, the Indian Army Chief is expected to review the situation at Nagrota Corps Headquarters with top Army Commanders.
FLASH : #PMModi interacts with 250 students from #JammuAndKashmir as a part of their ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme.
Reports @MakhdoomiEmaad pic.twitter.com/HIxGbXycwz
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 24, 2023
Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony was held on Sunday in Rajouri for the four soldiers who lost their lives after being ambushed by terrorists in the Dera Ki Gali area of Surankote in Poonch district. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi led the wreath-laying ceremony of Naik Birendder Singh, Naik Karan Kumar, Rifleman Gautam Kumar and Rifleman Chandan Kumar.
Two of the martyrs belonged to Uttarakhand and one each from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri Amritpal Singh and other officers and ranks of the Army also paid floral tribute.
Mobile internet services continue to remain suspended in the twin districts for the third day today.