Jammu: Defence minister of India Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the Indian army remain committed to eliminate the scourge of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir after four army men, including an officer were killed in a military operation againt militants in Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of Doda district.
The defence minister also spoke with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who apprised him of the ground situation and ongoing counter terrorist operation in Doda.
“Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh spoke to COAS General Upendra Dwivedi this morning. RM was apprised of the ground situation and the ongoing Counter Terrorist Op in Doda by the Army Chief,” defence ministry said in a post on X.
Singh also mourned the loss of lives and paid tributes to army personnel killed in action in the Doda.
“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 have 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,” Rajnath Singh posted on X.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the ongoing encounter.
“I am deeply anguished to learn about the cowardly attack on our Army soldiers and JKP personnel in Doda district. Tributes to brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifice protecting our nation. My deepest condolences to members of the bereaved families. We will avenge death of our soldiers & thwart the evil designs of terrorists and their associates. I call upon the people to unite in the fight against terrorism & provide us accurate information so that we can intensify anti-terror operations & neutralise the terror ecosystem,” he posted on X.
Four army personnel, including a major rank officer Major Brijesh Thappa of 10 RR sustained grievous injuries during initial exchange of fire between militants and armed forces late last evening in the forest area of Doda.
The operation started after the personnel of Rashtriya Rifles and special operations group of JK Police launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest area around 7.45pm.
Officials said Major Thappa along with four personnel and police personnel were injured in the exchange of fire, which initially lasted for over 20 minutes.
The injured were evacuated to hospital and their condition was stated to be “critical”. They later succumbed to injuries, the officials said, adding that additional forces were rushed to the spot and the operation is underway.
Officials added that after a brief exchange of fire, the militants tried to escape but were chased by the armed forces, leading to the exchange if fire.
This is the third encounter in Doda in the past three weeks. The latest incident follows a militant ambush on an Army patrol in the remote Machedi forest area of Kathua district in which five army personnel were killed.
The Jammu region, which remained relatively peaceful between 2005 and 2002, has been witnessing a spike in attacks over the past month. It included an attack on a pilgrim bus that left nine persons dead and 40 injured. (KNO)
