Srinagar, J&K: The Army paid a heartfelt homage to its canine warrior "Zoom" on Friday. Zoom passed away on Thursday as a result of gunshot injuries that he received earlier this week during an encounter in the Jammu and Kashmir area of Anantnag. Lt Gen ADS Aujla, the commander of the Chinar Corps, and personnel of all ranks honoured the valiant soldier at a solemn ceremony at the Chinar War Memorial in Badami Bagh cantonment, according to PRO Defence Col. Emron Musavi, who is based in Srinagar.
Zoom was crucial to the operation at Tangpaw in Anantnag, he claimed, helping to not only pinpoint the exact location of the terrorists but also to disable one of them.
However, he said that the brave dog in the process took two bullet shots.
Despite being wounded, Zoom managed to find the second terrorist who was hiding before returning to the target location and passing out from significant blood loss. According to the PRO, his intervention inspired the group to swiftly bring the two LeT terrorists to justice.
The canine trooper was then transported right away to the Army Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar, where he battled valiantly till the very end. On Thursday at 11:50 a.m., he passed away.
The Army canine contributed greatly to the Chinar Warriors. Zoom, who was just two years old, had participated in several counterterrorism operations, where he had distinguished himself by his vigour and bravery, according to Col. Musavi.
He further added, Chinar Corps has lost a brave team member in Zoom, who will motivate all ranks to carry out their task with courage, humility and dedication.
(With inputs from PTI)