Kishtwar: An Indian Army para commando was killed in action on Sunday following a gunfight with terrorists in a remote forest area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. The clash took place in the Keshwan forests when a joint search party of the Army and local police intercepted a group of terrorists around 11 am. The operation in the Kuntwara and Keshwan forests had been ongoing since Thursday evening after two village defence guards (VDGs) were killed in the area.
"Encounter begins at Keswan-Kishtwar between terrorists and security forces. Three or four terrorists believed to be trapped," a police spokesperson said.
The Army confirmed that the injured para commando, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of the 2 Para (Special Forces), later succumbed to his injuries. Two other soldiers who were injured during the encounter are being treated at the base hospital in Udhampur. The injured personnel were evacuated earlier in the day and airlifted for medical treatment.
The Army has said the group of terrorists involved in the encounter had been responsible for abducting and killing the two VDG members two days prior. "Anti-terror operation is underway in Chas forest area of Kishtwar. A group of terrorists who had abducted and killed two VDG members are trapped," the Army spokesperson confirmed.
A second anti-terror operation is also underway in the Zabarwan forest area of Nishat, Srinagar, as security forces intensify efforts to track down militants in the region.
In a tribute to the fallen soldier, the White Knight Corps, which oversees military operations in the area, shared a message on social media. The tweet said, "#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of #Braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). Sub Rakesh was part of a joint #CI operation launched in the general area of #Bhart Ridge #Kishtwar on 09 Nov 2024. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief."