Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan, Indian Army and J&K Police Bust Terror Hideout in Poonch

Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Army’s Romeo Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday uncovered a suspected terrorist hideout in the Surankote area of Poonch district. During the operation, security forces recovered five improvised explosive devices (IEDs), radio sets, binoculars, and blankets from the location.

Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have been on high alert since the brutal April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people — most of them tourists — were gunned down by militants. The attackers escaped after indiscriminately firing at the victims, triggering an extensive manhunt across the region.

The significant breakthrough in Poonch came just a day after Inspector General of Police VK Birdi chaired a joint security review meeting. The session was attended by senior officers from the army, police, intelligence agencies, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to assess the security situation and strategize counterterrorism operations.

India Implements Diplomatic and Economic Measures Against Pakistan

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India announced a series of punitive diplomatic and economic actions against Pakistan. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and visa services, banning Pakistani vessels from Indian ports, and closing Indian airspace to all aircraft registered in or operated by Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to tracking down those responsible for the attack, vowing that both the perpetrators and the masterminds would be brought to justice.

Pakistan, rattled by India’s aggressive diplomatic stance, has alleged that New Delhi is preparing for a military strike. In response, Islamabad offered to permit an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack.

Meanwhile, ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the international border and the Line of Control (LoC) have continued for 11 consecutive nights, further escalating tensions in the region.

Defence Minister Vows Firm Response

Speaking on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated it was his duty to deliver a decisive response to those who dared to target India. “I want to assure you that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, what you wish for will definitely happen,” he declared.