Jammu Erupts in Protests After Army Personnel Killed in Terrorist Encounter

Protests erupted across several parts of the Jammu region on Wednesday after four Army personnel were killed in an encounter with terrorists in Doda district. Demonstrators led by Rashtriya Bajrang Dal chief Rakesh Kumar called for the launch of 'Operation All Out,' demanding a strong government response.

Kumar led activists in rallies condemning the killings and Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism. Effigies were burned, and slogans against Pakistan were chanted.

'We strongly condemn this cowardly act. The government must launch 'Operation All Out' to eliminate foreign mercenaries targeting army personnel and civilians,' Kumar stated.

The encounter, which began on Monday evening, was the third major clash in the Doda district in three weeks, resulting in the deaths of Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay.

In Samba and Rajouri districts, Congress and Youth Congress units staged anti-Pakistan protests, calling for decisive anti-terrorism operations and assurances for the safety of minorities.

In Doda and Bhaderwah, traders and civil society members also protested, burning Pakistan's effigies and calling for 'Operation All Out.' They urged the government to equip village defense groups with modern weapons to protect remote hamlets in Jammu hills.

Meanwhile, Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal workers lamented security breaches in Doda, urging stringent action against Over Ground Workers (OGWs) facilitating terrorist activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)