A tragic encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district resulted in the death of a soldier and the injury of three others. The army’s 16 Corps confirmed that Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, from the 2 Para (Special Forces), was killed during the operation. The incident took place during a joint counter-terrorism operation conducted by the army and the police at Bhart Ridge on Saturday.
The operation was part of an intensified counter-insurgency effort following the recent killings of two village defence guards (VDGs) in the region. The encounter broke out around 11 am when search teams, comprising army and police personnel, intercepted a group of terrorists in a forested area, just a few kilometers away from where the bodies of VDGs Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar were discovered in a bullet-riddled state.
This latest clash came after a massive search operation was launched Thursday evening in the forests of Kuntwara and Keshwan. The VDGs had been kidnapped and killed by terrorists, prompting a larger security mobilization to neutralize the militant threat in the area.
The army has pledged to continue its efforts in the region to eliminate the terrorist presence and ensure the safety of local residents. The loss of Naib Subedar Kumar is being mourned by the army, and a tribute to his bravery has been paid by his colleagues and higher officials.
The identities of the injured soldiers have not been disclosed, but they are reportedly receiving medical treatment. The security forces are continuing their operations in the area to track down the militants responsible for these attacks.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the region, with forces continuing their vigilance against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources By Agencies
