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.

In a tragic turn of events, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) from the Army’s special forces lost his life during an intense gunfight with terrorists in the remote forested areas of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. The conflict unfolded against the backdrop of heightened security operations following the brutal murder of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the region.

The deceased soldier has been identified as Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar from the 2 Para regiment. The Army honored his sacrifice, emphasizing the bravery and commitment he displayed during the operation. The encounter began around 11 am when joint search teams from the Army and local police engaged the terrorists hiding in Keshwan forest, which is located just a few kilometers from where the bodies of the VDGs, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, were recently discovered.

In response to the alarming situation following the killings of the VDGs, a large-scale search operation was initiated in the Kuntwara and Keshwan forests. The operation commenced on Thursday evening after the villagers were reportedly abducted and murdered by the same group of terrorists.

According to the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, the security forces acted on specific intelligence that pointed to the presence of terrorists in the Bhart Ridge area of Kishtwar. In a statement on X, they reported, “This is the same group which had abducted and killed 02 (two) innocent villagers (Village Defence Guards). Contact was established and a firefight ensued.”

During the initial confrontation, four Army personnel, including the JCO, sustained injuries and were subsequently evacuated to a medical facility. Officials later stated that while three of the injured soldiers were in critical condition, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The General Officer Commanding of the White Knight Corps and all ranks of the Army expressed their condolences for the loss of the brave soldier. In a tweet, they remarked, “We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” illustrating the strong sense of camaraderie and support within the ranks.

Additionally, a police spokesperson confirmed that the encounter was ongoing, noting that three or four terrorists were believed to be trapped in the vicinity, intensifying the urgency of the operation. As the situation developed, the search operation continued meticulously, with local security forces determined to root out the threat posed by terrorism in the area. Reports indicated that the operation remained active until the last updates were received, highlighting the challenges faced by security forces in ensuring the safety of local communities.

The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) has announced that this year’s annual Operational Demonstration, a key highlight of the Navy Day celebrations, will take place at the picturesque Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha. Official communications indicate that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will serve as the Chief Guest for the event, reinforcing the significance of this occasion.

The Operational Demonstration, dubbed OpDemo2024, is set to showcase the Indian Navy’s extensive maritime capabilities and operational strength. This year’s event seeks not only to display the Navy’s multifaceted competencies but also to enhance maritime awareness among the public and pay homage to India’s rich seafaring heritage, as stated by the Eastern Naval Command.

The choice of Puri as the venue is symbolic, reflecting the deep connection between the Indian Navy and the maritime history of Odisha. Organizers are collaborating closely with the Odisha government and local authorities to ensure the event runs smoothly. To accommodate the anticipated influx of spectators, provisions are being made for seating that will enable both locals and tourists to witness the live demonstrations from the beach.

In addition to the on-site experience, the event will cater to a broader audience; it will be broadcast live on national television and streamed via the Indian Navy’s official YouTube channel, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still engage with the festivities.

Preparations for the event are already underway, with the Naval Officer In Charge at Odisha, Commodore B. Deepak Aneel, recently meeting with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. During their meeting, they reviewed plans for the upcoming Baliyatra festival and the operational demonstration. The discussions also encompassed recent humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations carried out by the Navy in Odisha, particularly in response to cyclone Dana, alongside forthcoming coastal security exercises and other operational matters.

As anticipation builds for OpDemo2024, it stands not only as a celebration of naval prowess but also as a reminder of the Indian Navy’s commitment to service, both in safeguarding the nation and providing aid in times of crisis.

The Indian submarine INS Vela made its arrival in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday as part of a scheduled three-day visit to the island nation, according to the Indian High Commission. The submarine, which measures 67.5 meters in length and operates with a crew of 53, is under the command of Commander Kapil Kumar. Notably, INS Vela is an indigenous Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine that was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 25, 2021.

During its stay in the capital, the crew of INS Vela is set to engage in various activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and camaraderie between the two naval forces. According to a statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, personnel from the Sri Lankan Navy are also expected to visit the submarine, where they will attend an awareness program focusing on its operational capabilities.

Additionally, the crew members of the submarine will have the opportunity to explore several tourist attractions across the country. Following its visit, INS Vela is scheduled to depart Colombo on November 13.

The Indian embassy highlighted that the visit is categorized as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), which allows the submarine to replenish essential provisions. This visit is part of a broader trend, as Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships and submarines routinely make port calls in Sri Lanka.

The timing of this visit aligns with India’s overarching ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and complements Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, encapsulated in the ‘SAGAR’ initiative, which stands for “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”

During its stay, Commander Kapil Kumar is slated to meet with Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, the Commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Headquarters. Furthermore, joint activities are arranged, including a basketball match between the submarine’s crew and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy at the Sri Lanka Naval Base in Welisara, emphasizing the spirit of friendly competition and collaboration between the two nations.

In a notable development for India’s defense manufacturing sector, a senior French army official has expressed interest in evaluating India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. Brigadier General Stephane Richou, who is currently visiting India for bilateral discussions, emphasized the growing significance of India’s role in global defense production. “We are evaluating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system because we need a system like that. We are evaluating the system among the other systems offered by the highest countries offering such systems. India is among the highest countries producing weapons,” he stated.

Brigadier General Richou’s remarks reflect the deep-rooted relationship between France and India, which goes beyond mere commercial interests. He pointed out that this engagement signifies robust cooperation and a vision for a common future. The ongoing dialogue underscores the mutual reliance and collaboration between the two nations in defense technology and manufacturing.

The Pinaka, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), showcases impressive capabilities with a striking range exceeding 75 kilometers. Its production involves various Indian defense companies, including Solar Industries, L&T, Tata, and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The system has already gained international recognition with orders from countries like Armenia, and interest from additional nations is reportedly on the rise.

This weapon system was also a topic of discussion during the recent visit of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to France, indicating the strategic importance assigned to it by senior military officials. Brigadier General Richou further highlighted the depth of technological collaboration between France and India, referencing joint projects such as the Scorpene submarines, which have reinforced bilateral military ties.

Additionally, the two countries have been engaging in joint military exercises, with the Shakti exercise showcasing their commitment to training together. As part of this ongoing collaboration, France also announced plans to host a substantial contingent from the Indian Army for the 25th edition of their joint military exercises.

Moreover, France has solidified its status as the second-largest importer of Indian defense equipment, following the United States. This partnership particularly emphasizes electronics components, contributing to a more integrated defense ecosystem between the two countries. The evolving dynamics of defense cooperation reflect a strategic alignment that resonates with both nations’ visions for enhanced military capabilities and collaborative development.

In a vibrant display of community spirit and dedication to health, NAMAHA Academy, in collaboration with the Indian Navy, hosted a successful marathon on Sunday, designed to promote fitness and self-defence awareness. The scenic event unfolded along the picturesque Vizag Beach Road, featuring two distinct routes of 3 km and 5 km leading up to the popular VUDA Park.

The marathon witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 800 participants from various sectors coming together to take part. Among those joining the run were prominent members of the Indian Navy, and representatives from the business, education, and non-profit sectors, showcasing a collective commitment to well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

The chief guest for the occasion was Member of Legislative Assembly Gana Babu (P.GV.R.Naidu), who played a pivotal role in elevating the event’s profile by presenting medals to the top finishers across both distance categories. His presence underscored the event’s significance in promoting health and fitness within the community.

In his address, Captain TRS Kumar highlighted the critical role fitness plays in daily living, encouraging participants to integrate physical activity into their routines. His remarks resonated with the attendees, emphasizing that a healthy lifestyle is essential not just for personal well-being but also for fostering a stronger community.

Adding another dimension to the event, the leaders of NAMAHA Academy, Swathi and Nagesh, articulated the importance of martial arts and self-defence training, particularly for women and children. They expressed their commitment to empowering individuals with the skills needed to protect themselves, linking physical fitness to broader themes of safety and self-confidence.

To enhance the experience, all participants received goodie bags filled with an array of items, including discount vouchers, books, sports T-shirts courtesy of Decathlon, and medals commemorating their participation. The inclusion of such rewards not only celebrated their efforts but also encouraged ongoing engagement with fitness and wellness initiatives.

The marathon exemplified a successful collaboration between military and civilian sectors, uniting diverse members of the community in a shared goal of promoting health, fitness, and safety. As participants crossed the finish line, the event fostered a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm for future fitness activities, leaving an indelible mark on the community of Visakhapatnam.

Three personnel, including an Indian Army officer, sustained injuries during a gunfight with terrorists in a remote forest area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The confrontation unfolded around 11 am in the Keshwan forests, where joint search parties of the Army and police engaged with the militants. This operation had been in progress since Thursday evening, triggered by the earlier killings of two village defense guards.

According to officials, the police spokesperson has confirmed that the encounter is centered in the Keshwan-Kishtwar area, with estimates suggesting that three or four terrorists may be trapped. This group is believed to be responsible for the tragic deaths of the two village defense guards, escalating the urgency of the ongoing military response. The exchange of gunfire has been intense, and authorities are awaiting further details as the situation develops.

Simultaneously, a separate operation involving police and security forces is taking place in the Zabarwan forest area of Srinagar. This response is based on specific intelligence that indicated the presence of terrorists in the region. Notably, terrorist activities have surged in the Union Territory since October, a trend that aligns with the recent assembly election results, prompting heightened security measures.

Within the last 24 hours, three separate encounters have been reported. In one incident in Baramulla district the day prior, security forces were successful in neutralizing a terrorist. The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps revealed that the joint operation in Rajpura was initiated after forces detected suspicious activities in the area, which led to an engagement when the terrorists opened fire. The security forces acknowledged the elimination of one terrorist during this operation in the general area of Rajpura, Sopore, Baramulla.

As the situation continues to unfold, security operations throughout Jammu and Kashmir remain vigilant in their efforts to address the rising threats in the region. The commitment of security forces and the coordination between the Army and local police are critical in the ongoing fight against terrorism.