Sepoy Sandeep Pandurang of the 17 Rashtriya Rifles lost his life during a fierce encounter with Pakistani terrorists in the Singhpora Chatroo area of Kishtwar district on Thursday. The joint counter-insurgency operation, which commenced early in the morning, also left two other soldiers injured, according to official Army sources.
The ongoing operation, codenamed “Op Trashi,” is being conducted by the Indian Army’s 2 Para, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, 7 Assam Rifles, and the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG). Security forces launched the offensive based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of three to four heavily armed foreign terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit.
During the exchange of fire, Sepoy Pandurang sustained critical injuries and later succumbed, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He hailed from Karandi village in Akole tehsil of Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital and are currently receiving medical treatment.
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As per initial reports, two terrorists may have been eliminated during the operation, although official confirmation from the Army is awaited. The firefight took place in treacherous weather conditions, with high-altitude terrain and poor visibility complicating the troops’ efforts, according to the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps.
This encounter comes just weeks after a similar engagement in the same region on April 12, in which two Pakistani terrorists, including a top JeM commander, were killed and a cache of advanced weapons, including an M4 rifle and an AK-series weapon, was recovered.
The latest confrontation underlines the continued threat of cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating, particularly after the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, which reignited calls for stricter counter-terrorism operations. India has consistently accused Pakistan of harboring and aiding terrorist outfits targeting Indian territory.
Sepoy Pandurang’s death has drawn widespread tributes from across the nation. His sacrifice has been honored by military leaders and civilians alike, with many describing him as a symbol of courage and selflessness. In line with the Indian Army’s protocol, the term “veergati” is used to recognize his ultimate sacrifice while avoiding civilian terms like “martyr.”
The Indian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism from the region, vowing to carry forward its counter-insurgency mission to ensure peace and security. Updates on the operation and the status of the remaining terrorists are expected in the coming hours.
