Rising Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir: Local Residents on Edge

Residents of Kastigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, are living in fear following a militant attack on July 18 that injured two soldiers sheltering in a local school, VOA reported yesterday.

The incident, part of a broader search for militants in the Doda district, marks the first attack in the village in 20 years, raising concerns among locals who now avoid venturing out alone, especially after dark.

In recent months, the Jammu region has experienced 14 skirmishes between militants and security forces, resulting in the deaths of 10 soldiers, nine civilians, and five militants.

The resurgence of militancy has been linked to a reduced security presence due to troop deployments addressing border tensions with China. This decrease has allowed militants to strengthen their activities in the area. India attributes the rise in violence to Pakistan, which denies these allegations, further complicating the region’s security dynamics.