In a tragic encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, four Indian Army soldiers, including an officer, lost their lives on Monday. The fallen heroes are Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation.
“General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, and all ranks of the Indian Army convey their deepest condolences to the brave hearts, Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, while undertaking a counter-terrorist operation in Doda in order to ensure peace in the region. The Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” read an online post from the Army.
Officials reported that the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, launched a joint operation in the Desa area of Doda following specific intelligence about terrorist presence. The encounter began around 9 pm, leading to a heavy exchange of fire, during which initial reports indicated injuries among the soldiers.
At least five soldiers sustained critical injuries during the encounter. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh communicated with the Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, to assess the ground situation and ongoing operations in Doda.
Expressing his sorrow, Singh said, “The nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The counter-terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers remain committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism and restoring peace and order in the region.”
This incident marks the second significant encounter in the Jammu region following an attack in Kathua last week, where five soldiers were killed. The coordinated strike targeted two trucks carrying at least 12 troops, utilizing grenades, armor-piercing bullets, and an M4 assault rifle.
Over the past 32 months, 48 soldiers have been killed in action in the Jammu region, a troubling rise in violence in an area previously free from terrorism. Reports suggest that over 60 foreign terrorists trained in jungle warfare may be operating in the Jammu region alone, spreading fear across all 10 districts of the province.
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Army to deploy the full spectrum of its anti-terrorist capabilities to eradicate terrorism in the Jammu region.
