Terrorist Killed, Army officer martyred in Asar Doda, AK-47, M4 Carbine recovered

In a fierce encounter in the Assar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, security forces have killed one terrorist and recovered significant weaponry, including one AK-47, one M4 carbine rifle, and three bags filled with arms and ammunition. The operation, which unfolded in a forested region during a cordon-and-search operation (CASO), also resulted in the martyrdom of Army Captain Deepak Singh, while one civilian sustained injuries.

The Army has launched a comprehensive operation to apprehend the remaining terrorists, one of whom was reportedly wounded. The forces received a tip-off about the terrorists’ hideout the previous evening, leading to an exchange of fire that night before the operation resumed this morning.

The incident comes on the eve of Independence Day celebrations and as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds a high-level security review meeting, attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Recent months have seen a surge in terror activities in Jammu, particularly in the dense forests and steep mountains of the southern Pir Panjal range. This has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of militancy in the region.

Earlier this month, the government introduced a new security matrix for Jammu and Kashmir in response to increased targeting of civilians and military personnel. This follows a recent encounter in Anantnag district, where two soldiers were killed and two civilians injured. Last month, a soldier was killed and another injured in Kupwara district, with the Army reporting the elimination of a “Pakistani intruder.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated the commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, including a strategic reassessment of deployments to improve operational effectiveness and intelligence gathering. Increased military casualties remain a primary concern, prompting a focused approach to counter-terrorism.