Kathua terror attack: One more soldier was martyred as a result of injuries suffered in a terrorist attack on an army convoy in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, bringing the total number of deaths to five, confirmed a Defence official.

According to a defence official, an encounter is still taking place between troops and terrorists in the area.

Meanwhile, five soldiers injured in the Kathua terror incident received primary treatment at the Community Health Centre in Billawar before being sent to the Military Hospital in Pathankot for further treatment.

"Five injured jawans were brought here and received primary care. They have been referred to the Military Hospital in Pathankot for treatment. One dead body had been brought here," Sheela Devi, Medical Officer at Community Health Centre, Billawar said.

Jammu and Kashmir has seen a "spike" in the number of terrorist attacks in recent months.

Politicians pay condolences

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed condolences on Monday over the deaths of soldiers in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.

In an X post, Rahul Gandhi stated that the solution to these attacks would be strong action, not hollow speeches and false promises.

"The news of the terrorist attack on an Indian Army vehicle in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely sad. While paying my emotional tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers. These cowardly attacks on our army are highly condemnable. The fifth terrorist attack within a month is a grave blow to the security of the country and the lives of our soldiers," the Congress leader said.

"The solution to the relentless terror attacks will come from strong action, not from hollow speeches and false promises. We stand firmly with the country in this hour of grief." 

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the attack on an Indian Army convoy. In a post on X, Azad expressed concern about the rise in terrorism in Jammu province.

"Deeply saddened and strongly condemn the ambush on an army vehicle by terrorists in Kathua, resulting in the tragic loss of four jawans and injuries to six others. The rise in terrorism in Jammu province is deeply concerning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their families. The government must act decisively to tackle terrorism and ensure public safety!" he stated.