Three Militants Demand Shelter and Supplies Before Fleeing
Udhampur, 11 April 2015: A Night of Fear in Basantgarh
In a distressing incident that has left the residents of Udhampur’s Basantgarh area on edge, three armed militants reportedly entered the home of a local school teacher, Rashpaul Singh, on Wednesday night. The brazen intrusion is the latest in a series of unsettling events that indicate heightened militant activity in the region, raising concerns about the security of civilians in these rural areas.
A Night of Terror
According to Rashpaul Singh, the militants, dressed in black and armed with firearms, barged into his home late in the evening. Singh was at home with his elderly parents when the men demanded food and stayed until approximately 11:30 PM. The militants conversed in Urdu among themselves and seemed to understand the local Dogri dialect, further unnerving the family.
“They were calm yet intimidating. They demanded food and stayed until late in the night, leaving with some of my belongings,” Singh said, recalling the ordeal.
Before fleeing, the militants reportedly took a mobile phone, clothes, shoes, a bag, and an umbrella from Singh’s home. They used the mobile phone to make a WhatsApp call, an action that authorities believe could provide critical leads in tracking their movements.
Increased Militant Activity in the Region
The Basantgarh area, known for its rugged and forested terrain, has seen a surge in militant activity in recent months. Earlier this month, a similar incident occurred in the region, highlighting a concerning pattern of militants seeking shelter and provisions in civilian homes. Security experts suggest that militants might be using these mountainous areas as a hideout while evading ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Authorities have responded by intensifying operations in the region, with specialized teams scouring the forests and nearby villages. The local police, along with Army and paramilitary forces, have stepped up surveillance to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
The Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, Rashpaul Singh informed the local police, who, along with security agencies, visited his home to gather evidence and take statements. A senior police officer from Udhampur, on condition of anonymity, said, “We are analyzing the mobile phone records and the details of the WhatsApp call made by the militants. This could prove instrumental in narrowing down their location and understanding their intentions.”
The officer added that this intrusion is part of a broader pattern observed across rural Jammu, where militants seek temporary shelter and supplies from unsuspecting civilians.
Impact on Local Community
The incident has left the residents of Basantgarh on edge, with many expressing fear over the possibility of more such intrusions. “We are scared to sleep at night. The authorities need to provide more security in these remote areas,” said one of Singh’s neighbors.
Local leaders have urged the administration to act swiftly to protect civilians and counter the growing threat. “The government needs to deploy more security personnel in these areas. Civilians should not have to live in fear,” said a local panchayat member.
Looking Ahead
As security forces intensify their operations, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges in ensuring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus remains on tracking the militants involved in the Basantgarh intrusion and preventing similar incidents in the future.
