With terror incidents in Doda district rising, intelligence agencies have received inputs that at least eight Pakistan-trained terrorists may be present in Doda, Jammu division.

Doda has witnessed a spike in terror incidents with the killing of four soldiers on Monday. The Kashmir Tigers, a front group of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, has taken responsibility for the attack in the Desa forest area. Multiple gunfights and sightings have also taken place in the area during recent times.

It has been reliably learnt that the Army intelligence intercepted a message by a Pakistan-based handler, who was talking to a terrorist present in the region on a communication device. The timing of the intercept has not been divulged. The agency believes that the Pakistan-based handler is an ISI official.

The Army intelligence has also learnt that the terrorists have been directed by the handlers to create trouble in the Jammu region, especially in the Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and Reasi areas where terrorists have been able to gain much ground support from terror associates. Sources said the terrorists operating in Doda appeared to be trained. They could either be former commandos of the Pakistan Special Service Group (SSG) or might have been trained by the SSG.

“It is not possible for untrained terrorists to remain hiding in a forest which is being combed by the security forces aggressively. The terrorists are experts in ambush as they were aware of the movement of soldiers during a search operation in the Desa forest on Monday and struck at a point from where they could inflict the maximum damage,” a source said. There are reports that the terrorists also mutilated the bodies of two soldiers. However, the Army has not confirmed the reports.

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 20th July , 2024