Indian Army Dog Kent Dies While Protecting Her Handler During Encounter In J&K’s Rajouri

The Indian Army dog Kent from the 21 Army Dog Unit was leading a group of Indian Army soldiers towards the fleeing terrorists when the firing started.

Kent, a 6-year-old labrador, was shielding her handler when she came under heavy firing during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri on Tuesday, reported ANI. The brave Kent from the 21 Army Dog Unit was leading a group of Indian Army soldiers to fleeing terrorists when the firing started and she died at the scene during the firing, the Public Relations Officer, Indian Army, Jammu said in a statement.

"Army dog Kent was at the forefront of 'Operation Sujaligala'. Kent was leading a column of soldiers on the trail of the fleeing terrorists. It came down under heavy hostile fire. While shielding its handler, it laid down its life in the best traditions of the Indian Army," a Defence spokesperson said, according to PTI. 

Meanwhile, one suspected Pakistani terrorist and an Army soldier were killed in a gunfight in Rajouri. Besides, three security personnel were injured in the exchange of fire.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh, said the encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Narla village.

"One terrorist and an Army soldier were killed while three security personnel – two Army jawans and one special police officer – were injured in the gunfight," he said.

The security forces had launched a search and cordoned off the forested Patrada area on Monday evening. They fired a few rounds after noticing suspicious movement of two people. However, the two managed to escape from the scene in the darkness and this foliage proved to be advantageous to them. However, they left behind a rucksack along with some clothes and other articles that were recovered by the search parties. 

The cordon and search operation was extended to nearby areas, including Bambel and Narla, to track down the terrorists. 

Reactions To Kent’s Death

Several people took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the braveheart for the greatest sacrifice. A user stated that the "the four legged silent warrior" will always be remembered for her "her service and supreme sacrifice for the Nation". 

Another user thanked the canine for her sacrifice and her duty to the nation. 

Similarly, another user thanked Kent for her service to the nation by sheilding her handler during the shooting. 

A user said that Kent had martyred while protecting the one she was accompanying and that he salutes her for loyalty.