Rajouri, June 7, 2026: An Indian Army officer lost his life after accidentally slipping and falling into a deep gorge during an ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. The incident took place in the Dorimaal area of the Manjakote forests, where security forces have been carrying out an intensive search operation under Operation Sheruwali.
According to reports, the officer, a lieutenant, was part of a multi-agency combing mission aimed at tracking suspected terrorists hiding in the dense forest belt of Rajouri. During the search operation on Saturday, June 6, he reportedly slipped and fell into a gorge around 30 metres deep.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately, and the officer was evacuated for medical treatment. However, despite swift efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. His body was later recovered from the gorge. Further details, including his identity, are awaited, as the name has not been officially released in public reports.
Officer Was Part of Operation Sheruwali
The officer was participating in Operation Sheruwali, an anti-terror operation that has been underway in the Manjakote sector of Rajouri for nearly 15 days. The operation was launched around May 22, 2026, after security forces received intelligence inputs about the presence of suspected Pakistani terrorists in the region.
The search operation is being conducted in the difficult forested terrain of Dorimaal and Gambhir Mughalan areas. The region is known for its rugged hills, thick vegetation, steep slopes and deep gorges, making anti-terror operations extremely challenging for troops.
Security forces believe that two to three suspected terrorists may be hiding in the forest belt. Some reports have also indicated the possibility of up to five terrorists operating in two groups in the larger Rajouri-Poonch forest region.
Multi-Agency Search Mission
Operation Sheruwali involves personnel from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, with additional support from drones, sniffer dogs and helicopters. The forces have maintained a tight cordon in the area as they continue to search for the suspected terrorists.
A brief exchange of fire was reported on May 23 during the early phase of the operation. Since then, security forces have continued extensive combing of the area to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
The forest belt between the Rajouri-Thanamandi road and National Highway-144A has remained a sensitive zone, with militants suspected to have used the difficult terrain for movement and concealment over the past few years.
Terrain Remains a Major Challenge
The death of the officer highlights the serious risks faced by security personnel during counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. While the threat from terrorists remains constant, the terrain itself often poses a major danger.
The Manjakote forests consist of steep mountain slopes, narrow tracks, rocky surfaces and deep gorges. Troops operating in such areas have to move carefully while maintaining tactical readiness, often under poor visibility and hostile conditions.
In this case, the officer’s death was not due to direct combat but was the result of an accidental fall during an active operation. Such incidents underline the extreme physical and operational challenges faced by soldiers deployed in counter-insurgency grids.
Operation Continues
Despite the tragic loss, Operation Sheruwali is continuing in the region. Security forces are expected to maintain pressure until the suspected terrorists are located and neutralised.
The Army and other security agencies remain on high alert in the Rajouri-Poonch belt, where several anti-terror operations have been carried out in recent years. The dense forests and difficult mountainous terrain make the region a challenging area for counter-terror missions.
The sacrifice of the young officer stands as a reminder of the dangers faced by Indian soldiers not only in direct combat but also in every step of demanding field operations.
