Four army personnel, including an officer, were martyred in a fierce gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in the remote forests of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.
The encounter, marking the third major clash in the region within three weeks, unfolded during a joint operation by the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt.
Captain Brijesh Thapa from Darjeeling, Naik Dokkari Rajesh from Andhra Pradesh, and Sepoys Bijendra and Ajay Kumar Singh from Rajasthan suffered fatal injuries in the gunfight in the Desa forest area.
Following the encounter, security forces, including Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police, swiftly launched an extensive operation in the Desa forest belt to flush out terrorists.
According to officials, the operation was launched late Monday evening following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The troops faced challenging terrain and dense foliage as they engaged in a firefight after making initial contact with the militants around 9 pm. The intense exchange of gunfire resulted in five soldiers sustaining critical injuries, with four tragically succumbing to their wounds, including the officer leading the operation.
The Army’s 16 Corps, also known as White Knight Corps, in a statement said, “Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was underway in the general area North of Doda. Contact with terrorists was established last night at about 2100 hrs, leading to heavy firefight. Initial reports indicate injuries to our bravehearts. Additional troops have been mobilized, and operations are ongoing.”
We will avenge the death of our soldiers and thwart the “evil designs” of terrorists ….
Manoj Sinha
All formations of northern command are committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue, the Army said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed profound sadness over the loss of the soldiers.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army Soldiers in a counter-terrorist operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The Nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty,” he said.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi also briefed Singh on the anti-terror operation in Doda district.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also voiced his anguish over the attack, stating, “I am deeply anguished to learn about the cowardly attack on our Army soldiers and JKP personnel in Doda district. Tributes to brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice protecting our nation. My deepest condolences to members of the bereaved families.”
The attack on Monday night, which came a week after terrorists ambushed an Army patrol vehicle in Kathua district killing five soldiers and injuring as many, has sparked widespread condemnation and protests in Jammu and other regions.
Colonel Bhuwanesh Thapa (Retd), father of Captain Brijesh Thapa who was martyred in action, remembered his son with pride and sorrow, saying, “I feel proud that my son has done something for the nation and for the security of the nation. The only sad part is we won’t be able to meet him again; otherwise, I am happy that he sacrificed his life for his country.”
The tragic incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by security forces in combating terrorism in the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and resolute action against insurgent elements. As operations continue in Doda district, authorities remain committed to ensuring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir amidst ongoing threats posed by militants.