Kishtwar, Jan 19, KNT: An Army soldier succumbed to his injuries after an encounter broke out between militants and security forces in the forest belt of Chatroo in Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said on Monday.
The deceased soldier has been identified as Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces. He sustained critical injuries during the gunfight and later succumbed while undergoing treatment.
In a post on social media platform X, the White Knight Corps paid tribute to the soldier, saying the General Officer Commanding and all ranks saluted Havildar Gajendra Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a counter operation in the Singpura area during the ongoing Operation TRASHI-I on the night of January 19.
The Army said the soldier displayed indomitable courage, valour, and selfless devotion to duty, and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family in their hour of grief.
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According to officials, a fierce exchange of fire had erupted in the forest area of Chatroo after security forces established contact during a search operation. During the initial exchange of fire, eightl Army personnel sustained injuries.
Following the gunfight, security forces extended the cordon to a vast stretch of the forest area to plug all possible escape routes. The operation has been intensified, with additional troops deployed to dominate the area and track the militants believed to be hiding in the dense and difficult terrain.
Search operations are continuing as security forces remain on high alert. [KNT]
