Jammu: Hours after losing an officer among four soldiers in a counter terror operation in the woods of Doda, Army’s Northern Command has said that it is committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue.
Also, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid a wreath and paid homage to brave-hearts while Additional Director General of Police Jammu Anand Jain also visited the site in Dessa area of Doda where a search operation is underway.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid wreath and paid homage to Captain (Major) Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, who have made supreme sacrifice during the anti-terror operation in Doda.
“I salute the brave warriors who displayed exemplary courage and made supreme sacrifice for the nation. The nation will never forget the sacrifice made by the gallant heroes. The entire nation stands firmly with the families of martyrs in this hour of grief,” the Lt Governor said.
Operation details
Sharing details, PRO Army, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said in light of the incidents in the recent past, proactive counter-terrorist operations continue to be prosecuted.
“Accordingly, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in General Area Urarbaggi, 10 km North of Doda. At about 2040 hrs on 15 July 24, the search party was able to establish contact with the terrorists hiding in the area, which is a thickly forested and mountainous area with restricted visibility due to low clouds and rain,” he said.
“In the initial volley of fire, four Indian Army personnel were injured, who later succumbed to their injuries. Additional troops and equipment have been inducted to flush out the terrorists and use of drones and other technical resources is being ensured. Due to security considerations regarding the ongoing operations, further details cannot be shared,” he said.
The spokesperson further added that the Indian Army has been conducting a series of joint and coordinated operations with J&K Police to eliminate foreign terrorists who have infiltrated and are moving in the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah districts and areas and thereafter to Kashmir Valley. Similar operations are being conducted in Kathua area in a relentless manner.
Series of operations in the recent past have resulted in neutralisation of three terrorists in Gandoh on 26 June 24, besides successfully thwarting Chattar Gali terrorist attack on 11 June 24, he said, adding that analysis of large quantities of warlike stores recovered from the killed terrorists reveal the hand of inimical agencies from across the border.
Number of measures have been instituted to enhance synergy between various agencies. These include joint training with J&K Police and CAPF, he said, adding that a robust intelligence sharing mechanism between the IA, J&K Police and other Intelligence Agencies has been established.
“Clear guidelines have been enunciated towards ensuring no collateral damage and disruption in day-to-day life of the locals in the area. Close interaction with the local populace is also ensured for flow of intelligence inputs. Similar intelligence based and area domination operations are continuing in Kashmir region, North of Pir Panjal ranges. Line of Control and fence is intact and alert troops have recently neutralized three terrorists attempting to infiltrate along with large quantities of war-like stores in Kupwara region on 14 July 24,” he said.
Intelligence based operations have also been conducted to foil infiltration attempts in Lam, South of Pir Panjal Ranges on 10 July 24.
We deeply regret the loss of precious lives of our four brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. All formations of Northern Command are committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue, he said.
