Army Capt killed, terrorist neutralized in Doda dist

JAMMU, Aug 14:
In a fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Assar area of Doda, an Army Captain was killed, and a terrorist was neutralised on Wednesday, according to official sources. The ongoing operation, launched by a joint team of security personnel, comes amidst a recent surge in violence in the Jammu region, particularly in the Udhampur-Doda-Kishtwar belt.
Captain Deepak Singh, who was leading the search party, sustained critical injuries during the heavy exchange of fire in the densely forested region. Despite being swiftly transported to a military hospital, Captain Singh succumbed to his injuries. The Army’s White Knight Corps, in a post on X, paid tribute to the fallen officer, stating, “All ranks of White Knight Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart Captain Deepak Singh.” The Corps also extended its deepest condolences to his family.
The encounter, which erupted early on Wednesday morning, is the fourth in the region in recent days. The security forces were conducting a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) in the Shivgarh-Assar belt, tracking a group of foreign terrorists reportedly hiding in the area. The Defence PRO, Suneel Bartwal, confirmed the death of one terrorist and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and M-4 carbine from the site. Additionally, four blood-soaked rucksacks were seized, initially leading officials to suspect the presence of multiple terrorists. However, the death of only one terrorist has been confirmed so far.
The operation remains active as intermittent gunfire continues. “Some terrorists are still believed to be trapped, and the operation is ongoing,” Bartwal added. The operation site is located approximately 40 kilometers from Patnitop, where security forces had a brief exchange of fire with the terrorists on Tuesday evening before they fled to Doda.
The incident occurred on the eve of Independence Day, marking a significant security challenge in a region that has seen a spike in terrorist activities. This latest operation follows a series of encounters in the Udhampur-Doda-Kishtwar region, including a gunfight in Doda’s Gandoh area on June 26, where three terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed.