Lawyers from the Jammu Bar Association on Tuesday held a protest here against the terror attack on an army patrol in Kathua, calling it as an act of cowardice by Pakistan-based terrorists.

Five Army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, were killed, and as many were injured on Monday when heavily armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in the remote Machedi area.

Raising anti-Pakistan slogans and chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” lawyers led by Jammu Bar Association president and senior advocate Vikram Sharma took out a protest rally in the high court complex. They also paid homage to the brave army personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

“We are here to pay homage and tributes to the army personnel who laid down their lives for the nation. We stand with their families,” Sharma told reporters.

He condemned the Kathua terror attack, stating, “It is an act of cowardice by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.” Sharma said Pakistan resorts to cowardly terror attacks through terrorists when they fail to confront India directly.

“They persist in supporting and sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. “Pakistan should be held accountable. It has been aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Oppn parties take a dig at Centre

• Opposition parties have lambasted the Central government for failing to stop continuing attacks by terrorists in Jammu division, where militancy has re-emerged after being eradicated over two decades ago..
• NC provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta condemned the Kathua attack and voiced deep concern about escalating terrorism in Jammu. Gupta criticised the Centre for its failure to effectively control the deteriorating security situation. He emphasised the urgency of addressing these incidents and ensuring public safety amid growing fear and insecurity among the people.
• J&K Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Manish Sahni also condemned the Kathua attack. He said all claims of establishing peace in J&K were hollow. Sahni added that terrorist organisations active in the region had now established their foothold in Jammu along with Kashmir. "The Army and innocent people are being targeted by terrorists hiding in dense forests and hilly areas," he said.

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 10th July , 2024