Doda Encounter: Major Among 4 Soldiers Killed; Rajnath Singh Speaks to Army Chief

New Delhi: In a tragic development in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, four Indian Army personnel, including Major Brijesh Thappa of the 10 Rashtriya Rifles, lost their lives in a fierce encounter with terrorists. The encounter began late Monday evening in the Desa forest area, approximately 55 km from Doda town, during a joint cordon and search operation by the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of the J&K Police. This incident adds to the growing list of violent encounters in the region, underscoring the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups.

The encounter started around 7:45 PM when the security forces launched a search operation targeting suspected terrorist hideouts in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest. The operation was initiated based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of militants. The initial exchange of fire lasted for over 20 minutes, resulting in critical injuries to five security personnel, including Major Thappa. Despite immediate medical evacuation, four of the injured soldiers succumbed to their injuries.

The Kashmir Tigers, a shadow group of the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the group asserted that the clash occurred when security forces were searching for “Mujahideen” fighters. This group had also claimed responsibility for an attack on an Indian Army convoy in Kathua on July 9, indicating their active operational presence in the region.

Following the encounter, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Indian Army Chief to get updates on the ground situation and the ongoing operation in Doda. Singh’s engagement underscores the gravity of the situation and the high-level monitoring of counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Helicopters and drones have been deployed to track the fleeing terrorists, highlighting the advanced measures being taken to neutralize the threat. The area’s challenging terrain and thick foliage have made the operation difficult, but the security forces remain resolute in their efforts.

The incident has elicited strong reactions from political leaders and public figures. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, representing the Doda Lok Sabha constituency, expressed his deep disturbance over the encounter. “Words fall short of condoling and condemning the martyrdom of our Bravehearts. Let all of us,” he stated, reflecting the somber mood across the nation.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his condolences, saying, “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.”

This encounter is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this month, gunmen ambushed an Army convoy, killing five soldiers. In separate clashes, two other soldiers and six terrorists were killed. Additionally, in June, terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims from a shrine in the southern Reasi area, resulting in the deaths of nine pilgrims and injuries to dozens more.

The persistent threat from terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and their shadow outfits like the Kashmir Tigers highlights the volatile security situation in the region. These groups continue to exploit the challenging terrain and political complexities of Jammu and Kashmir to launch attacks against Indian security forces and civilians.

The Doda encounter serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir and the sacrifices made by Indian security personnel in their efforts to maintain peace and security. The loss of Major Brijesh Thappa and his fellow soldiers is a profound tragedy that underscores the human cost of this enduring conflict. As the nation mourns its loss, the security forces’ resolve to combat terrorism remains unwavering. The government’s response, including deploying advanced surveillance and tracking measures, reflects a determined effort to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the region.

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