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Journalism of Courage
Defence Minister George Fernandes said today that ‘‘stringent action’’ would be taken against those responsible by the inquiry into the recent attack on Tanda Army camp in Akhnoor.
Fernandes said this in his statement to Lok Sabha today on the July 22 attack on the Army camp by three terrorists in which eight armymen, including Brigadier V.K. Govil, were killed and 13 hurt.
With efforts to end the Opposition boycott of the Defence Minister failing, the Opposition walked out when Fernandes stood to table his statement.
Stating that the incident was being investigated, Fernandes added: ‘‘I would like to assure the House that if the investigation establishes any lapse in the enforcement of security measures by the Army, stringent action will be taken against those found responsible.’’
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He also informed that ‘‘adequate measures’’ have been taken to ensure security of ‘‘vulnerable areas’’ through gathering intelligence, reinforcing security, intensifying patrolling and employing Quick Reaction Teams. ‘‘In addition to security measures in position, special strategies are being devised to effectively combat terrorist attacks,’’ he said.
Fernandes stated that militant outfit Al Shuhda Brigade J-K had claimed responsibility for the attack saying that it was done ‘‘to protest Pakistani Opposition leader, Maulana Fazal-ur Rehman’s remarks that the LoC should be converted into a permanent border and that Kashmir issue should be resolved within the framework of Shimla Agreement.’’
Stating the identity of the three terrorists has not yet been established, Fernandes outlined the way the camp was attacked. Three terrorists, one in civilian dress and two in uniform, had attacked the camp at 5.50am on July 22. One was killed at the gates and two made their way into the camp after heavy exchange of fire in which two JCOs and four of other ranks were killed.
The second terrorist was killed by the Quick Reaction Team. The area was then combed for the third terrorist. ‘‘After searching the unit lines and adjoining areas under the supervision of senior officer of local formation, it was assessed the area had been cleared of terrorists,’’ Fernandes stated.
At 1 pm, Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Hari Prasad, and 16 Corps General Officer Commanding Lieutenant General T.P.S. Brar, visited the site along with his staff officers to review the situation. ‘‘As these officers were moving in the area, one terrorist emerged from the bushes in a nala, which passes through the unit lines and lobbed two grenades at them,’’ Fernandes said.
‘‘The terrorist blew himself up later,’’ Fernandes stated adding that seven officers were injured. ‘‘Seven officers including GOC-in-C Northern Command, and the Corps Commander received minor injuries due to the blasts, except Brigadier V.K. Govil, Deputy Director, EME, 16 Corps, who later succumbed to injuries at 4.30 pm,’’ Fernandes stated.
