• 3-4 terrorists trapped: Police
• COAS pays tributes to fallen soldier
• Operation underway, cordon intensified
• Alert in entire region
Srinagar, Nov 10: A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was killed, and three other security personnel were injured on Sunday as terrorists opened fire on security forces conducting a search operation in Keshwan forest range of Kishtwar district in Jammu division.
Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO Defense Jammu, confirmed that one Army para commando was killed in action. The deceased has been identified as Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF), who was part of a joint counter-terror operation in the Bhart Ridge area of Kishtwar launched on November 9. “The operation is ongoing, with heavy firing reported from both sides,” he said.
The operation follows the recent killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) earlier this week. Authorities believe three to four terrorists are trapped in the cordon area. A police spokesperson stated that an encounter is underway in Keshwan, with this group suspected of killing the two innocent villagers.
An Army officer, speaking to Rising Kashmir, said ‘Operation Clean Out’ has been ongoing for three days in Kuntwara and Keshwan forests to trace the terrorists responsible for the VDGs’ murders. “During the initial exchange, terrorists ambushed the search party, injuring three personnel. The wounded were swiftly evacuated to a hospital, but one soldier later succumbed to his injuries,” the officer reported.
The injured troopers were airlifted to Army Hospital Udhampur for treatment. “The search operation is intensifying, with additional reinforcements dispatched to the encounter site,” the officer added. He noted that the challenging terrain, with its thick undergrowth, large boulders, and nallahs, is complicating the security forces’ efforts. “All routes have been sealed, and the area is on high alert as forces move deliberately to neutralize the terrorists.”
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army paid tribute to Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar, who was killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar forests.
In a post on X, Indian Army said that “General Upendra Dwivedi COAS and All Ranks of IndianArmy salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar who laid down his life in the line of duty in J&K.
“IndianArmy offers deepest condolences and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” the spokesman added.
On Nov 07, terrorists shot dead two Village Defence Guards (VDG’s) in Munzla Dhar forests of Kishtwar after both were kidnapped from a nearby forest area.
