Updated July 16th 2024, 15:27 IST
Srinagar: After four Indian Army officers were killed in action in Doda sent shock waves across the nation, the total number of deaths recorded in the Jammu region has gone up to 48 in the last 32 months. A fierce encounter broke out during a joint search operation by the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt resulting in the death of an army officer, three jawans. However, this is not an isolated incident.
July 16, 2024: One army officer and four jawans were killed in action in Doda.
July 8, 2024: Five jawans were martyred and five injured after terrorists opened fire on a military convoy in Kathua.
June 11-12, 2024: Twin attacks left six soldiers injured.
May 4, 2024: Terrorists attacked two vehicles in Poonch district, killing one Indian Air Force soldier and injuring five others.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said he is "deeply saddened" by the death of four Army soldiers in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district and asserted that the security forces are committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in the region.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi briefed Singh on the ongoing operation.
Four army personnel, including an officer, have been killed in action during the operation against a heavily-armed group of terrorists.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army Soldiers in a counter terrorist operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K)," Singh said on X.
"My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The Nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty," he said.
The defence minister said the counter terrorist operations are underway, and "our soldiers remain committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and restore peace and order in the region." The defence minister's office said he spoke to Gen Dwivedi this morning.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published July 16th 2024, 15:27 IST