Kathua terror attack: India warns of strong retaliation

NEW DELHI: Reports are claiming that India is preparing to retaliate in the surgical strike model in the wake of the recent terror attacks that jolted Jammu and Kashmir, including the attack in which five Indian soldiers were killed the other day in Kathua. The fact that Kathua witnessed five terror attacks within the last month has increased security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the attack in Kathua as a cowardly act, President Droupadi Murmu said that it deserves condemnation and firm countermeasures.

'The attack on a convoy of Army personnel in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir by terrorists is a cowardly act that deserves condemnation and firm counter-measures," she wrote on X.

Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured, the President said, "My sympathies are with the families of the bravehearts who laid down their lives in this ongoing war against terror in its all forms".

Ministry of Defence expressed extended "deepest" condolences to the bereaved families of the soldiers who lost their lives.

A spokesperson said in a post on X, "Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered & their sacrifice will not go unavenged and India will defeat the evil forces behind the attack".

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency has also joined the probe into the Kathua terror attack. A search is being conducted under the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief RR Swain to find the terrorists. No terrorist organizations have claimed responsibility for the attack.

The search has been extended to areas like Basantgarh, Seoj, Bani, Daggar and Kidli where the terrorists are believed to be hiding. Members of the Army’s elite Para unit have been deployed to conduct surgical strikes against the terrorists in specific areas.