In a tragic development in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) from the Army’s special forces was killed during a gunfight with terrorists on Sunday, while three other soldiers sustained injuries. The operation is part of an intensified search following the recent killings of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the region.
The fallen soldier has been identified as Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para, whose sacrifice was honored by the Army. The confrontation occurred around 11 am when a joint search party comprising the Army and police stumbled upon the terrorists in the Keshwan forest. This site is located just a few kilometers from where the bodies of the two VDGs, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, were discovered. The VDGs had been victims of a brutal attack earlier, prompting a significant military response.
The search operation was launched on Thursday evening after the militants allegedly abducted and murdered the VDGs. The Army’s White Knight Corps, based in Jammu, communicated the details of the ongoing initiative on social media, stating that the operation was prompted by specific intelligence regarding terrorist activity in the Bhart Ridge area of Kishtwar. The military indicated that they were targeting the same group responsible for the abductions and subsequent killings of the VDGs. Contact with the terrorists was established, which led to an engaged firefight.
During the initial exchange of fire, four Army personnel were injured, including the JCO. They were promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility, where three of the soldiers were reported to be in critical condition. Despite medical intervention, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Army tweeted their condolences, stating, “GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). Sub Rakesh was part of a joint counter-insurgency operation launched in the general area of Bhart Ridge, Kishtwar. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
A police spokesperson confirmed that the encounter was still ongoing, with reports indicating that three or four terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. Search operations continued into the evening, with security forces engaged in efforts to neutralize the militant threat. The situation remains tense as authorities work to address the ongoing violence and safeguard the region.
