Captain Brijesh Thapa among 4 Army Bravehearts Martyred.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh July 17,2024 ||

JAMMU: n a tragic turn of events, four Indian Army personnel, including a captain, lost their lives in a fierce gunfight with heavily armed terrorists from the Pakistan-based banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The fallen soldiers have been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa from Darjeeling, Naik Dokkari Rajesh from Andhra Pradesh, and Sepoys Bijendra and Ajay Kumar Singh from Rajasthan.

The encounter, which took place in the dense forests of Doda district late Monday evening, has sparked widespread condemnation and protests across Jammu and other regions. This latest incident marks the third major clash between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region within the past three weeks, underscoring the escalating tensions in the area.

This deadly confrontation follows a week after terrorists ambushed an Army patrol in the remote Machedi forest belt in Kathua district, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to as many others. In response to the Doda encounter, security forces, including troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police, swiftly launched a joint cordon and search operation in the Desa forest belt.

Despite the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, efforts are underway to track down and neutralize the militants linked to the banned JeM terror group, officials reported. The Army, along with para-commandos and aerial support from drones and helicopters, is intensifying its search operation to eliminate the terrorists suspected to have infiltrated from across the border and taken refuge in the forested area.

In an official statement, the Army disclosed that the gunfight erupted late Monday evening in the Desa forest area, where troops from the Rashtriya Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Police had launched a cordon-and-search operation. “Despite the challenging terrain and low visibility, the security forces engaged the hiding terrorists,” the statement read. “In the initial volley of fire, four Army personnel were injured, who later succumbed to their injuries. Additional troops and equipment have been inducted to flush out the terrorists, and the use of drones and other technical resources is being ensured,” the Army said, withholding further details due to security considerations regarding the ongoing operations.

The Kashmir Tigers, a JeM shadow group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. As the nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, tributes were paid to the fallen heroes in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony attended by dignitaries including J-K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The sacrifices made by Captain Brijesh Thapa and his comrades serve as a poignant reminder of the valour and dedication displayed by the Indian Army in combating terrorism.

Captain Thapa’s father, Colonel Bhuwanesh K Thapa (retd), recalled his son’s inspiration to join the Indian Army from a young age. “I feel proud of my son. This is an Army operation, and there is always risk in such ops,” the retired Army officer said, highlighting the courage and commitment of his late son.

In Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, two villages were enveloped in grief on Tuesday as news of the deaths of soldiers Bijendra and Ajay Singh reached their homes. The resurgence of terror activities in Jammu in recent months underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist elements seeking to destabilize peace in the region.

The Jammu region, once relatively peaceful, has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities since 2021, with over 70 people, including 52 security personnel, mostly from the Army, losing their lives in these attacks. The security forces remain vigilant in their efforts to safeguard civilian lives and defend the nation’s sovereignty against such acts of violence.

Meanwhile, political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Conference and the PDP, condemned the Doda incident. In Jammu, Congress workers held anti-Pakistan protests, criticizing the BJP-led government for the “failure of the security grid” in Jammu and Kashmir to address the escalating terrorist activities. Protesters raised anti-Pakistan slogans and carried placards demanding immediate comprehensive operations to clear the hills of Jammu of terrorist elements.

The Doda encounter serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region and the unwavering resolve of the Indian Army and security forces in their mission to protect the nation.