In a tragic turn of events during an ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, a junior commissioned officer has been killed. The soldier has been identified as Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, hailing from the 2 Para Special Forces unit. His death occurred amid a joint operation initiated in the Bhart Ridge area, which began on Saturday, following the recent murders of two local Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
The operation was launched in response to the heinous act of abduction and murder of the VDGs, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar. Their bodies were discovered with gunshot wounds in the Keshwan forest area, prompting security forces to launch extensive searches in the Kuntwara and Keshwan forests starting Thursday evening.
On Sunday around 11 am, contact was established between security forces and terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight after forces zeroed in on the militants in the Keshwan forest. The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the operation through a post on social media platform X, noting that this joint endeavor involved both the Army and local police. The post emphasized the operation was specifically targeting the group responsible for the abduction and killing of the two innocent villagers and confirmed that contact with the terrorists had been made, initiating the exchange of fire.
In the initial stages of the engagement, four Army personnel were injured and subsequently evacuated to a hospital, where they are reported to be in critical condition. Security officials have indicated that approximately three to four terrorists remain encircled in the area, with active combat operations continuing as sporadic exchanges of gunfire were reported.
As the operation unfolds, authorities remain focused on neutralizing the threat posed by the terrorists, underscoring their commitment to maintaining security and safety in the region. The ongoing situation illustrates the complex and dangerous nature of counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the risks faced by security personnel in their line of duty.
