Jammu:AnArmy commando was killed and three others injured on Sunday during an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Gidri forests of Keshwan area in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.
The slain commando was identified as Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para SF. Posting on X, White Knight Corps (16 Corps), said, "GOC White Knight Corps and all tanks salute the supreme sacrifice of brave heart Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). Sub Rakesh was part of a joint #CI operation launched in general area of # Bhart Ridge #Kishtwar on 09 Nov 2024. We stand with bereaved family in this hour of grief."
Earlier, quoting officials, PTI reported that four Army personnel were injured in the initial gunfight and evacuated to a hospital, where the condition of three of them was stated to be "critical".
Officials said the encounter broke out at around 11 am when joint search parties of the Army and J&K Police intercepted the militants in the Keshwan forest, a few kilometres from the spot where the bullet-riddled bodies of VDGsNazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar were found on Thursday (November 7).
They said a heavy exchange of fire was going on in the woods where three to four militants were believed to be trapped. Taking to X, Kishtwar police said, "Encounter begins in Keshwan Kishtwar between terrorists and security forces. 3/4 terrorists believed to be trapped. This is the same group which killed the two innocent villagers (Village Defence Guards)."
A massive search operation was launched in the forests of Kuntwara and Keshwan on Thursday evening after the terrorists abducted and killed the VDGs. According to the police, the area is situated on top of a mountain opposite Kishtwar town across river Chenab and the upper ridge connects with the Kuntwara area where the two VDG members were killed.
The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps said in a post on X, "Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation was launched by security forces in general area Bhart Ridge, Kishtwar. This is the same group which had abducted and killed 02 (two) innocent villagers (village defence guards). Contact was established and firefight ensued."
This is the second gunfight in J&K today. Earlier, a gunfightstarted between the security forces and the militants in Zabarwan forests near Ishbar area of Srinagar where security officials said two to three militants were hiding in the area.
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