J-K: Fear palpable in terror-hit Dhangri village; people reminded of 1999 Bal Jarallan massacre

Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri not only created a fear psychosis among the minority community but also recalled the pain of Bal Jarallan massacre that had taken place on February 19, 1999 when terrorists had entered a marriage hall and sprayed bullets on the guests waiting for 'Bharat'.

Rajouri/Jammu:The recent terror attack in Dhangri village of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri not only created a fear psychosis among the people, particularly the minority community but also opened the wounds of the Bal Jarallan massacre that had taken place over two decades ago. Bal Jarallan is a village four kms ahead of Dhangri, the scene of deadly terrorist firing on January 1 and subsequent Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion the next morning which left a total of six civilians, including two cousin sisters, dead and several others injured.

The Bal Jarallan massacre had taken place on February 19, 1999 when terrorists had entered a marriage hall and sprayed bullets on the guests waiting for 'Bharat'. Seven persons belonging to the minority community were killed and an equal number injured in that incident. Dalip Singh, a resident of Dhangri, said the latest incident had opened the old wounds and caused a scare among the local populace about the revival of terrorism in the border district.

"A number of my close relatives had gone to attend the marriage ceremony and we came to know about the incident only when the victims were being evacuated to hospital while passing in front of our homes as there were no mobile phones in J&K at that time," he said. He said although all his relatives had escaped unhurt in the attack, people from the minority community suffered a big blow as it was the first such attack on minorities in their close vicinity.

Besides the Bal Jarallan, the other major terror attacks targeted against minorities in Rajouri district in the past include killing of seven persons in Swari village in 1997, killing of five persons in Kotedhara in 1998, killing of three persons in Nirojal in 2002, killing of five persons in Patrara in 2003 and killing of five persons in Panglar in 2005.

"Now this Dhangri attack has not only given a fresh wound but also created a wave of terror among the minority community," he said. Sanjay Kumar said the Dhangri incident is a cause for major concern as it signals the revival of terror activities in the district after it was declared terrorism free many years ago. "The government should take all necessary measures to rebuild the confidence of the people in the security system and track down the attackers to ensure justice to the victims," Kumar said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri, Mohammad Aslam had assured that the terrorists involved in the Dhangri incident would be neutralised soon. He also said various measures have already been taken to tackle the terror threat effectively. "A massive exercise is underway to strengthen Village Defence Committees in the district for which special camps are going on in different villages."

"We are examining and servicing the weapons at these camps, while hundreds of VDC members have also been provided with ammunition," the officer said. He said the process of deploying additional troops in sensitive areas and notorious infiltration routes is also in progress to instill a sense of security among the people.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday visited Government Medical College (GMC) hospital here to inquire about the health of civilians injured in terror attacks, officials said. Sinha also met with the family members of the injured and assured them of all possible assistance, an official spokesman said.

He said Principal, GMC Jammu, Shashi Sudan and other senior doctors briefed the Lt Governor on the health condition of the injured -- Sanvi Sharma, Prince Sharma, Rohit Sharma and Pawan Kumar -- and medical procedures being followed. Sinha directed the hospital administration to ensure that the best possible medical care and assistance is provided to the injured for their speedy recovery, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Members of the local Congress and RSS visited Dhangri village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district where six people were killed and several others injured in terrorist attacks. The Congress delegation led by its spokesperson Deepika Pushkar Nath criticised Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the Centre over their claims of restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

The RSS delegation too demanded a probe into the disarming of village defence committee (VDC) members without any government order. "The co-ordination between the Indian Army and the police needs to be stepped up with enhanced vigilance to prevent loss of innocent lives. This (Dhangri incident) is an example of governance and administrative failure in full measure," Nath, an advocate, said on Saturday. (With Agency Inputs)