On Monday, January 27, 2025, four Army troops were left injured after a road accident was recorded in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The accident occurred at Gantar Morh in the Sunjian area where the Army vehicle skidded from the road and overturned into a ditch.
Instant Response
The locals helped in rescuing the injured soldiers, and they were evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Army has not yet disclosed the condition of the injured personnel.
Recurring Road Accidents in the Region
December 2024 Incident
This recent mishap is hardly a week behind a comparable tragic accident on December 24, 2024, in this district. In the earlier accident, an Army vehicle carrying soldiers to a forward post lost control and plunged into a deep gorge. Five people died and eight were injured in the accident. According to officials, the mishap took place due to not-so- smooth road conditions. Officials ruled out any terrorist involvement.
Security Issues in Jammu and Kashmir
Heightened Terrorist Activities
Road mishaps coincide with increased security threats in Jammu and Kashmir. During the past few weeks, attacks by militants have increased, targeting security forces and civilians alike.
Gagangir Workers’ Camp Attack (October 20, 2024)
Terrorists targeted a workers’ camp in Ganderbal district, killing seven people. The victims were six non-local workers from an infrastructure company as well as one doctor from the local region.
One of the attackers was neutralised by security forces in Harwan, Srinagar.|
Botapathri Ambush (October 24, 2024):
Militants ambushed an Army vehicle in the Botapathri area near Gulmarg.
Three Army soldiers and two civilian porters killed.
The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) aligned with the Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility.
Srinagar Market Grenade Attack (November 2, 2024):
Militants threw a grenade in a crowded Sunday market close to the tourist reception center in Srinagar.
A 42-year-old mother of three was killed, and 11 others were injured.
The police later detained suspects from Srinagar’s Ikhrajpora area.
Reasons for the Attacks
Resentment of Democratic Involvement
According to intelligence agencies, the spurt in militant attacks has been in reaction to the fact that people are now becoming more involved in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections held in Jammu and Kashmir towards the end of 2024.
The elections were noted for their peaceful conduct and high voter turnout, which reportedly unnerved handlers of terrorism operating from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Agencies suspect these handlers directed militants to intensify attacks in retaliation against the democratic process in the region.
Strengthened Vigilance by Security Forces
Current Measures
The Army and security agencies have intensified their vigil along the Line of Control (LoC) and across the hinterland to prevent further attacks.
Security forces have maintained their focus on counter-insurgency operations that neutralize militants.
Surveillance and patrolling have been stepped up in the vulnerable areas.
The Army remains committed to ensuring civilian safety and protecting territorial integrity while facing the negative impact of the road conditions and militant activities.