In Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, a fierce encounter is ongoing between security forces and terrorists. The army has confirmed neutralizing one terrorist in this encounter. Reports suggest that more terrorists might be trapped in the area, and security forces are in pursuit. Earlier today, Captain Deepak Singh of the Indian Army was critically injured during the chase and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries due to gunshot wounds.
Officials mentioned that as part of a joint team’s Cordon & Search Operation (CASO) to locate a group of foreign terrorists hiding in the Shigarh-Assar belt, an encounter erupted in the dense forest. Four bloodstained backpacks were found at the encounter site. Additionally, an AK-47 rifle and several M-4 carbines were recovered. The terrorists were reportedly hiding by a river in Assar.
Source: aajtak
According to officials, there was an initial exchange of gunfire between security forces and terrorists before the terrorists fled through a forest path towards Doda, near Patnitop in the adjacent Udhampur district. Security forces made contact with the terrorists around 6 PM on Tuesday in Udhampur, which led to an overnight cordon of the entire area. The search operation resumed the next day, and at around 7:30 AM, another contact was established, leading to a fresh encounter.
Who Was Martyr Captain Deepak Singh?
Captain Deepak Singh, who was martyred in the Doda encounter, served as a signal officer in the Counter-Insurgency unit, 48 Rashtriya Rifles. He was leading the Quick Reaction Team involved in the search for terrorists in Assar, Doda. Besides his military role, he was also an excellent hockey player. It's worth noting that just last month, another encounter took place between security forces and terrorists in Doda. During this encounter, five soldiers, including one officer, succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the operation.
