In a poignant act of bravery, Captain Deepak Singh of the 48th Rashtriya Rifles (RR) took a fatal bullet to the chest but ensured that a terrorist hiding in the forest of Assar in Doda was neutralized before he succumbed to his injuries.
On the evening of August 13th, Captain Singh, leading a search party in the Asar area, spotted movement from 3-4 heavily armed terrorists. He engaged them with indiscriminate fire, injuring two to three terrorists. However, due to the encroaching darkness, the operation had to be temporarily halted.
At first light, Captain Singh resumed the mission to locate the terrorists. Despite being seriously injured after coming under fresh enemy fire, he pressed on and successfully eliminated one terrorist with his weapon. His heroic actions were instrumental in the operation, but his injuries proved fatal. Other soldiers in the team evacuated Captain Singh to a hospital, but he tragically lost the battle for life and attained martyrdom.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a tweet, offered condolences:
“*Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami*, in a tweet, offered condolences: “I pay my deepest respects to Captain Deepak Singh, a valiant son of Uttarakhand, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the encounter with terrorists in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. His sacrifice in the service of Mother India will forever inspire patriotism among the youth. I pray to God to grant his noble soul a place at His feet and to provide strength to the grieving family to endure this sorrow.””
Jammu and Kashmir Police tweeted: “The J&K Police solemnly salutes the supreme sacrifice of #Braveheart Capt Deepak Singh, who selflessly laid down his life in the line of duty. His #courage & #dedication to the #nation serve as an inspiration to us all.”
Mehbooba Mufti former Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir expressed her condolences:
“No words will suffice to express the tragedy at Doda today where Captain Deepak Singh was killed during an encounter. The endless cycle of violence & mayhem in J&K continues to devour the lives of innocents despite tall claims of normalcy by the administration. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Omar Abdullah, another former Chief Minister of Jammu kashmor commented on X
“Another young army officer lays down his life in the line of duty, this time in an encounter in Doda. It is highly unfortunate that the situation in some parts of the Jammu region has been allowed to deteriorate like this. May Captain Deepak Singh’s soul rest in peace. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family & colleagues.”