An Army major was among three people killed in three back-to-back attacks, originating from Pakistan, at the Line of Control in Rajouri in Jammu on Friday.
As a result of the attacks, the situation on the LoC was reported to be tense.
In the first attack, according to sources, an Army vehicle was targeted in an IED blast at Lam Pukharni at Nowshera on Friday; three Army personnel, including a havildar, were injured. The injured were given medical aid at the Army medical centre and then airlifted to the command hospital in Udhampur where one of the soldiers succumbed to his injuries.
When the Army rushed reinforcements to the spot of the explosion, another blast took place, injuring an officer of major rank. The major, who was described as a native of Kerala by sources, succumbed to his injuries.
An Army press release on the incidents said the attacks occurred around 3pm near the LoC in Naushera Sector. “Immediate resuscitation and medical aid were provided, but they succumbed,” the Army statement said.
In the third incident, unprovoked firing by Pakistani forces in the Sunderbani sector led to an Army porter, Hem Raj, being seriously injured. Hem Raj also died of his injuries.
The IEDs in the first two attacks are thought to have been planted by Pakistani troops who also used militants to sneak across the LoC for the attacks. The militants are also backed by Pakistani troops to carry out attacks on Army patrols and vulnerable posts.
Pakistan has been using snipers regularly to target Indian troops on the LoC. The Army has often countered the tactic of sniper attacks by use of superior firepower.
