Security forces intensify search ops against militants in Kishtwar after Para Commando gets killed in action

Security forces intensified operations in the Kishtwar after the death of a para commando and injuries to three other soldiers in an encounter with militants.

The operation was launched after the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs), Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, at Munjla Dhar, while they were grazing cattle in the forest.

A group of militants believed to be involved in the killing of the two VDGs were engaged in a firefight in the dense forests of Gidhri Top in the Thossar area. Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (Special Forces), leading one of the Para teams sustained severe injuries during the gunfight.

He and three other injured soldiers were airlifted to a military hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. After his killing, the operation was intensified and more reinforcement was rushed to Gidhri Top, where the militants were trapped. Helicopters, drones and surveillance equipment have also been deployed to track the militants. Gidhri Top is connected to Munjla Dhar where VDGs were killed.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences to Kumar's family and lauded his courage and sacrifice. “I salute the courage and supreme sacrifice of the Army’s braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar, who laid his life in the line of duty in Kishtwar. His selfless service to the nation will always be remembered,” Sinha posted on X.

The Army’s Nagrota-based White Knight Corps in a statement said that “based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of militants, a joint operation was launched in the Bhart Ridge area, Kishtwar. Contact was established, and a firefight ensued”. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps and other ranks paid tribute to Naib Subedar Kumar, saying, “We salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”