kathua attack today:

The Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), have taken responsibility for the attack.

Army personnel engaged in a counter-terror operation following an ambush on an Army convoy in the Kathua district.

On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu condemned the “cowardly” ambush on a patrolling party in the Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of five Indian Army personnel. She called for “firm counter measures” and expressed her sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers.

In a post on X, President Murmu stated: “The attack on an Army convoy in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir by terrorists is a cowardly act that deserves condemnation and firm counter-measures. My sympathies are with the families of the bravehearts who laid down their lives in this ongoing war against terror in all its forms. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his sorrow over the loss of five Indian Army personnel and mentioned that counter-terrorist operations were in progress.

“I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K),” Singh posted on X. “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The Nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. Counter-terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region,” he added.

“I pray for a swift recovery for those injured in this heinous terror attack,” the Union Minister added.

Among the five killed in the terror attack was a Junior Commissioned Officer. This attack marks the fifth incident in the Jammu region within a month. The Kashmir Tigers, a faction of the banned Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), claimed responsibility for the assault.

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane stated that the soldiers’ sacrifice would not go unavenged and that “India will defeat the evil forces behind the attack.” He added, “Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered.”

Political leaders from various parties expressed their grief over the loss of lives. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the attack and called for justice. “The terrorist attack in Jammu is condemnable. My condolences to the families of the four soldiers who were killed. Everything must be done to bring the terrorists to justice,” he posted on X.

Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. “Terrible news from Kathua. It’s a very bad day when you lose four brave army personnel in the line of duty. I condemn the attack unequivocally and send my heartfelt condolences to the families. I hope the injured make a swift and complete recovery,” the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister posted on X.

People’s Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack and criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre over the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. “Condemn the terror attack in Kathua that claimed the lives of four soldiers. It is tragic and shocking that they are losing their lives in places where militancy was nearly nonexistent before 2019. This speaks volumes about the current security situation in J&K. Deepest condolences to their families,” she said.