In a devastating turn of events, four Indian Army personnel, including a major, lost their lives in an encounter with terrorists in Doda. The shadow group Kashmir Tigers, affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has once again highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.
In an official statement, Kashmir Tigers declared that the clash occurred during a search operation initiated by the security forces aimed at locating “Mujahideen” in the area. The encounter took place late Monday evening in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town.
Government Response
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was promptly briefed by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives. Taking to X, Singh wrote, “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 sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers remain committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and restore peace and order in the region.”
Details of the Encounter
The encounter began when troops from the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Initially, there was a brief exchange of fire as the terrorists attempted to flee. However, the brave troops, led by an officer, pursued the terrorists into challenging terrain and dense foliage, leading to another firefight around 9 PM.
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During the encounter, five soldiers were critically injured. Despite immediate medical attention, four of them, including Major Brijesh Thapa, succumbed to their injuries. The other martyrs were identified as Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay.
Condolences and Tributes
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, conveyed his deepest condolences. “General Upendra Dwivedi #COAS and all ranks of #IndianArmy convey their deepest condolences to the #Bravehearts Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra & 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. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” the Army posted on X.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his sorrow, stating, “Deeply distressed by the martyrdom of 4 brave Army soldiers, including an officer, in a terror encounter in Jammu & Kashmir’s Doda. Our heart goes out to the families of our bravehearts, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of Bharat Mata.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents the Doda Lok Sabha constituency, described the news as “deeply disturbing” and extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Ongoing Operations
The Indian Army has intensified its efforts to track down the terrorists involved in the encounter. Helicopters and drones have been deployed to aid in the search operations. This incident follows a series of violent clashes in the region, including the recent ambush on an Army convoy in Kathua on July 9, also claimed by the Kashmir Tigers.
