Poonch Attack: An Eye-Opener for National Security

 Poonch Attack: An Eye-Opener for National Security

The recent terror strike in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, has again brought to fore the loopholes in India's security network. On December 21, 2023, an Army convoy was ambushed by a People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) militant outfit and four soldiers lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. The perpetrators used advanced weapons, such as US-origin M4 carbines, and took strategic positions on higher ground to carry out the attack.

This attack highlights the imperative of strengthening intelligence and surveillance in the area. Ex-Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief SP Vaid underscored the necessity of a strengthened intelligence network to avert such attacks. PAFF, an organ of Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been increasingly operating in the region and poses an extreme threat to national security.

Intensified Search Operations: A Step Towards Justice

Following the Poonch attack, Indian security personnel have initiated sweeping search operations throughout the Poonch and Rajouri districts. The operations in their fifth day include more than 20 square kilometers of sweeping, using drones, sniffer dogs, and other surveillance equipment. Authorities have arrested several suspects for questioning and are providing a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the prime suspects.

These operations demonstrate the government's determination to punish the perpetrators and restore peace to the area. Nevertheless, the success of these operations will rest on continued intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, and community cooperation. The Poonch attack is a grim reminder of the difficulties encountered in combating terrorism and the need for an overall approach to provide safety and security to the country