Security – Doda Firing Incident Leaves One Dead, Three Police Personnel Injured
Security –One person lost his life while three members of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) sustained injuries during a late-night firing incident in Doda district, according to officials. The confrontation reportedly began after the man allegedly attempted to seize a service rifle from security personnel during an operation in the area.
Security Operation Triggered by Suspicious Movement
Police officials said the incident unfolded on Thursday night along the Jaie-Gandoh road, nearly 35 kilometres from Bhaderwah. Acting on information about suspicious movement in the high-altitude region, an SOG team had positioned itself in the area as part of a planned surveillance and interception operation.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., the team stopped a young man for questioning. During the encounter, officials alleged that he suddenly confronted the personnel and tried to grab one of the service weapons, leading to a physical struggle.
Exchange During Scuffle Leaves Multiple Injured
According to senior police officials, the confrontation quickly escalated. During the struggle, an SOG personnel opened fire, resulting in bullet injuries to the man. Three police personnel also suffered injuries during the incident.
All four individuals were initially taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Bhaderwah for emergency medical care. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, they were later referred to Government Medical College, Doda, for advanced treatment. Officials confirmed that the injured man, identified as 30-year-old Aarif Hussain from Cheeka village, later died while receiving medical care.
Religious Preacher Detained for Questioning
Police have detained a religious preacher as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have not yet disclosed the exact nature of the individual’s connection to the incident, stating that inquiries are still underway to determine any possible involvement.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the detention, and investigators continue to gather evidence before drawing conclusions.
Additional Security Measures Introduced
As a precaution following the incident, security has been strengthened across Bhaderwah town. Additional personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward situation.
Officials also confirmed that the Indian Army has initiated a search operation in the Jaie area to ensure there are no further security threats in the surrounding region.
Doda’s Long History of Militancy
Doda has historically been one of the sensitive districts in Jammu and Kashmir. Militancy spread into the region during the early 1990s, making it one of the first major conflict zones outside the Kashmir Valley. The district’s mountainous and forested landscape was frequently used by infiltrating militant groups because of its difficult terrain.
The former Doda district, which once included the present-day districts of Kishtwar and Ramban, witnessed several major attacks over the years. Militant organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, established operational bases in the region, and multiple incidents of violence caused heavy civilian casualties, leaving a lasting impact on local communities.
Counter-Insurgency Efforts and Recent Developments
To improve local security, the government introduced Village Defence Committees (VDCs), enabling trained villagers to assist in protecting their communities. Alongside sustained counter-insurgency operations carried out by the Indian Army, Rashtriya Rifles, police, and paramilitary forces, militant activity in Doda declined significantly by the late 2000s, allowing the region to experience a prolonged period of relative stability.
However, security agencies have reported a renewed rise in militant activity across parts of the Jammu region in recent years. The Doda sector has witnessed fresh encounters and attacks, including a major ambush in July 2024 in which four Army personnel were killed, highlighting the continued security challenges in the area.