Doda Encounter: Wreath-Laying Ceremony Held In Jammu, Army Says 'Committed To Eliminating Terrorism'

Doda Encounter: The Indian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Four soldiers died in a gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in the Doda district.

Doda Encounter: The Udhampur-based Northern Command of the Indian Army reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, following a deadly encounter in the Doda district. Paying tribute to four soldiers who died in a gunfight with heavily armed terrorists, the Army underscored its ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security in the region.

The Army, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police, has been conducting a series of joint and coordinated operations aimed at eliminating foreign terrorists infiltrating from across the border. These operations have been particularly focused on the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar districts in Jammu region, and subsequently, the Kashmir Valley, news agency PTI reported.

On Monday night, an Army captain and three soldiers were critically injured in an encounter with terrorists in Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt of Doda. They later succumbed to their injuries. This confrontation occurred just a week after a terrorist ambush on an Army patrol in the remote Machedi forest belt in Kathua district, which claimed the lives of five soldiers and injured several others.

Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh made the supreme sacrifice.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu to honour the jawans.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha also paid tribute to the martyrs and said, "Laid wreath and paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation during anti-terror operation in Doda. The nation will never forget the sacrifice made by the gallant heroes of Army."

Earlier, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu Anand Jain visited the site in the Dessa area of Doda where an encounter is underway. 

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur assured strict action will be taken in this incident.

“Earlier, action has been taken against those who spread terror and now also strict action will be taken. There are some people who want to disturb the peace of Jammu and Kashmir but I am sure that our security forces will give them a fitting reply,” he told the media, as per PTI.

Committed To Eliminating Scourge Of Terrorism In Jammu And Kashmir: Army

"All formations of Northern Command are committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, for which relentless operations will continue," the Army stated, as quoted by PTI. To enhance the effectiveness of these operations, several measures have been implemented to improve synergy between various agencies. This includes joint training with Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces, along with a robust intelligence-sharing mechanism between the Army, police, and other intelligence agencies.

The official release highlighted that clear guidelines have been established to ensure no collateral damage and minimal disruption to the daily lives of local residents. It also emphasised the importance of close interaction with the local populace to facilitate the flow of intelligence inputs.

In light of recent incidents, the Army indicated that proactive counter-terrorism operations are ongoing. A joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in the Urarbagi area on Monday at around 8:40 PM. The search party successfully established contact with the terrorists hiding in the densely forested and mountainous region, which was further complicated by low visibility due to clouds and rain. The initial exchange of fire resulted in injuries to four Army personnel, who later succumbed to their injuries.

To ensure the success of these operations, additional troops and equipment, including drones and other technical resources, have been deployed. However, further details regarding the ongoing operations have been withheld for security reasons.

"We deeply regret the loss of precious lives of our four brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," the Army said, as per PTI.

Similar operations are being conducted in the Kathua area. Recent operations have resulted in the neutralisation of three terrorists in Gandoh on June 26 and the successful thwarting of a terrorist attack in Chattargala on June 11. The analysis of the large quantity of war-like stores recovered from the dead terrorists indicates the involvement of inimical agencies from across the border.

The Army also noted that intelligence-based and area-domination operations are ongoing in the Kashmir region, north of the Pir Panjal ranges. The Line of Control and the fence remain intact, with alert troops recently neutralising three terrorists attempting to infiltrate the Kupwara region on July 14. Similar intelligence-based operations have been conducted to foil infiltration attempts in Lam (Rajouri), south of the Pir Panjal ranges, on July 10.