Indian Army Officer Killed in Intense Gunfight with Terrorists in J&K's Doda District

In a tragic turn of events, Captain Deepak Singh, an officer of the Indian Army, was killed during a fierce gunfight with unidentified terrorists in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The encounter erupted in the dense forests of the Shivgarh-Assar region during a cordon and search operation (CASO) led by a joint team of security forces.

The operation was initiated after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the area. As the forces advanced, they came under fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. Captain Deepak Singh, who was on deputation with the 48 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) from the Army Signal Corps (ASC), was leading the operation as a field Major when he tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

According to officials from the Defence Ministry, the security forces recovered an M4 assault rifle, clothing, and three rucksacks from the site, indicating the presence of the terrorists. The Army's White Knight Corps, in a post on social media platform X, confirmed that the operation is ongoing and that the search for the remaining terrorists continues amidst heavy gunfire.

The terrorists are believed to be hiding in the rugged terrain of the Shivgarh-Assar belt, with reports suggesting that some may have been injured in the encounter, as blood-stained rucksacks were found at the scene.

The encounter, which began on Tuesday evening in the nearby Udhampur district, had seen the terrorists cross over into Doda after a brief exchange of fire. The security forces established contact with the militants around 6 pm on Tuesday, and the gunfight resumed on Wednesday morning at around 7:30 am after a brief lull overnight.

The ongoing operation, code-named "Op ASSAR," is being closely monitored by the highest levels of the Indian Army. Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, has reportedly briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the progress of the operation and the overall anti-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

The loss of Captain Deepak Singh is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Army in its relentless fight against terrorism in the region. The operation in Doda continues as security forces work tirelessly to eliminate the remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the area.

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