In a tragic development, four soldiers, including two army captains, lost their lives in an ongoing encounter between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. The deceased have been identified as Captain MV Pranjal of 63 Rashtriya Rifles, Captain Shubham, and Havildar Majid of 9 PARA. The encounter began when militants, believed to be part of a fresh group that recently infiltrated from across the Line of Control, opened fire on police and security forces who had launched searches based on specific intelligence input.
The attackers targeted the security forces in the Bazi Mal Upper forests in Kalakote, leading to a fierce encounter. Sources revealed that the police and security forces had initiated a cordon and search operation before the militants opened fire. The situation became more complex when soldiers from 9 PARA moved into the forests to evacuate Captain Pranjal but came under heavy fire. The encounter, which began around 9 am, continued throughout the day, with militants resorting to gunfire. The bodies of at least two soldiers could not be evacuated by evening due to the ongoing engagement.
While three soldiers lost their lives, an injured Major of 9 PARA has been evacuated to the Command Hospital at Udhampur and is reported to be in stable condition. Despite the difficult circumstances, the security forces are actively engaged in the operation, aiming to neutralize the remaining militants.
This incident follows a concerning pattern of heightened militant activity in the Pir Panjal region, which comprises the border areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts. There have been concerted attempts by Pakistan-based militant groups to revive terror activities in this region. Officials note that these groups are utilizing various means, including the use of Pakistan-based mobile services operators, to send arms, ammunition, explosives, currency, and narcotics across the Line of Control. Security forces are facing the challenging task of countering infiltration attempts and maintaining peace in the region.
The Pir Panjal region has witnessed incidents of militant violence in the past, and this encounter underscores the persistent threat faced by security forces in the volatile border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
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