Amid the ongoing anti-terror operation in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the area to review the security situation and expressed a commitment to justice regarding the killing of civilians.
"I have come to see them (the injured). Whatever has happened, justice will be done," he told reporters outside the GMC hospital in Rajouri.
Singh, after a first-hand review of the situation in border areas, also met the family members of the civilians allegedly killed in custody shortly after their detention by security forces on December 22, at the Government Dak Bungalow in Rajouri.
He commended the local populace for their resilience and efforts towards integration into the mainstream.
Three civilians from Topa Pir village reportedly died in custody after being picked up for questioning by security forces following the terror attack on two Army vehicles that left four soldiers dead and three others injured.
Five civilians detained from the Thanamandi area in the adjoining border district were hospitalised due to injuries sustained during detention.
The district administration has already pledged financial compensation, government job, and a plot of land in Surankote to the next of kin of the deceased, having already issued checks of Rs 10 lakh each.
Accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Singh conducted an on-site assessment.
He received detailed briefings on the security situation, counter-infiltration measures, and operational readiness.
Singh stressed the need for professionalism and diligence in operations while discussing operational challenges with ground commanders.
Addressing the troops, he emphasised heightened vigilance to prevent future incidents, while reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Regarding recent events in the sector as 'unfortunate', Singh urged all ranks to base operations on solid intelligence and established procedures supported by advanced technology.
