Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Jammu to assess security

SRINAGAR — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu on Wednesday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the killing of four soldiers in an ambush on an army vehicle in Rajouri district this week and the death of three civilians after allegedly being picked up by the army for questioning.

An official told the news agency KNS that Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu tomorrow to review the security situation amid the ongoing anti-militancy operation in Rajouri-Poonch region following the killing of four army soldiers on December 21.

On Monday, Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited Rajouri-Poonch to assess the situation on the ground, where he was briefed by the senior army brass about the ongoing anti-militancy operations and steps taken to further strengthen the security grid.

The army on Monday also attached a Brigade Commander, official sources said. The Brigade Commander of the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles was attached in a formal inquiry related to the death of three civilians.

Army has already ordered a probe into the incident that led to the death of three civilians in Rajouri after the killing of four soldiers in the militant attack on December 21.

Four soldiers were killed in Dera Ki Gali area of Rajouri on December 21 after two army vehicles were ambushed by militants. Following the attack, the army launched a massive anti-militancy operation in Rajouri and Pooch areas.

During the operation, several locals were picked up for questioning, however, three civilians allegedly died and soon after some videos went viral on social media showing civilians being tortured by some men in uniform.

Following the death of civilians, the government ordered a probe into the incident and also announced compensation and jobs to the families of the deceased.