Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Condoles Families of Soldiers Lost in Kathua Terror Attack

Amritsar (Punjab) [India], July 9: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his deepest condolences to the families of five soldiers who lost their lives in the Kathua terror attack on July 8.

“I received the sad news of five soldiers losing their lives and some being injured during the terrorist attack in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir… I salute the spirit and bravery of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the protection of the country and my deepest condolences to their families… I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers…,” CM Mann said in a post in Hindi on social media platform X.

Security has been tightened along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after five army soldiers were killed in an ambush by terrorists in Kathua district on June 8. An encounter is still underway between troops and the terrorists in the area, as shown by visuals from Tuesday morning.

Following the attack, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir police personnel have been deployed along the National Highway (NH44) in Udhampur. This measure was taken as the 11th batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims passed through Udhampur on Tuesday morning. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place by the security forces to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

Five soldiers who were injured in the attack have been referred to the Military Hospital in Pathankot for further treatment. “Five injured jawans were brought here and have been given primary treatment. They have been referred to the Military Hospital in Pathankot for treatment. One dead body has been brought here,” said Sheela Devi, Medical Officer at Community Health Centre, Billawar.

Since June 9, there have been terror strikes at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda in which nine pilgrims and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan were killed. A civilian and at least seven security personnel were also injured.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and directed all security agencies to “work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner.”