SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have vowed revenge for the deaths of four army personnel, including an officer, killed in a gunfight with militants in Doda district.
Late Monday evening, troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint cordon and search operation in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town.
The encounter resulted in a brief exchange of fire, during which militants attempted to flee. Despite challenging terrain and thick foliage, the troops, led by an officer, chased the militants, leading to another firefight around 9 pm.
Five soldiers were critically injured in the encounter. Four of them, including the officer, later succumbed to their injuries.
In a post on X, Sinha stated, “We will avenge the death of our soldiers and thwart the evil designs of terrorists and their associates. I call upon the people to unite in the fight against terrorism and provide us with accurate information so that we can intensify anti-terror operations and neutralise the terror ecosystem.” He also paid tributes to the slain soldiers, expressing deep anguish over the attack and extending condolences to their families.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his sorrow over the incident. “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,” he said on X. Singh assured that counter-terrorist operations are ongoing and that the security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism and restoring peace in the region.
The Defence Minister’s office confirmed that Singh spoke to Chief of Army Staff GenKashmir Upendra Dwivedi about the ongoing operations. “Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh spoke to CoAS, General Upendra Dwivedi this morning. RM was apprised of the ground situation and the ongoing Counter militant Op in Doda by the Army Chief,” the office stated on X.
