Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Condoles Families of Soldiers Killed in Kathua Attack

New Delhi [India], July 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deepest condolences to the families of five army soldiers who were killed in an ambush by terrorists in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8.

I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. The Counter Terrorist operations are underway,…

In a message on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh said, “I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nation stands firm with them in this difficult time.”

Rajnath Singh added, “The Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region.” He also prayed for a speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.

Security has been tightened along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after the attack. An encounter is still ongoing between troops and terrorists in the area. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir police have been deployed along the National Highway (NH44) in Udhampur to ensure the safety of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.

Five injured soldiers have been referred to the Military Hospital in Pathankot for further treatment. Medical Officer Sheela Devi confirmed that one dead body and five injured jawans were brought to the Community Health Centre in Billawar.

Since June 9, there have been multiple terror strikes in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda, resulting in the deaths of nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan, with several others injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, directing all security agencies to work in a coordinated manner for a quick response.