Army captain falls in encounter with terrorists in northern India ahead of Independence Day
by Aditi VermaIn a tragic incident just a day before Independence Day, Captain Deepak Singh of the Indian Army was killed during an encounter with terrorists in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter, which also resulted in injuries to a civilian, was part of a cordon-and-search operation aimed at neutralizing a group of four terrorists.
The incident took place in the Assar area of Doda district on August 14.
Visuals showed during the conflict, one terrorist was hidden behind the trees and bushes in the dense jungle. The Indian Army forces, engaged in a fierce firefight, were targeting the concealed terrorist with gunfire, their bullets piercing through the thick foliage as they sought to flush out the enemy from his hiding spot. The scene was intense, with the dense greenery serving as both cover and obstacle, adding to the complexity of the operation.
On Wednesday, an intense firefight erupted between Indian Army forces and a group of four terrorists in the Shivgarh-Assar belt of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. Captain Deepak Singh lost his life in the clash, which occurred during a high-stakes cordon-and-search operation (CASO) launched after intelligence tips indicated the presence of terrorists in the area.
The operation, which began late Tuesday night following an initial exchange of fire, continued into Wednesday morning. Security forces successfully recovered an American-made M4 assault rifle and three blood-soaked rucksacks containing essential equipment and logistics from the encounter site. One of the terrorists was reported to have been wounded in the skirmish.
The timing of the attack is particularly significant as it coincides with ongoing Independence Day preparations and a crucial high-level security meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting, attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, is focused on reviewing and strengthening security measures amid rising tensions.
The recent escalation in terrorist activities, especially in the southern Pir Panjal range, has heightened concerns about a resurgence of militancy in the region. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep sorrow over Captain Singh’s death, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence despite claims of improving security conditions.
As the search operation continues to apprehend the remaining terrorists, the Army has extended its condolences to Captain Singh’s family and remains committed to combating terrorism in the region.