4 Indian Army Soldiers Killed in Encounter with Terrorists in J&K, second in less than a week; Rajnath Singh assures action, Rahul Gandhi blames BJP’s failed policy

In a late-night development four Indian Army soldiers, including an officer, have been killed during a live encounter action with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Monday. This was the second such encounter in less than a week in the Jammu region after five soldiers were killed in action in Kathua last week.

The deceased were identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay, they laid down their lives in the line of duty, said the Indian Army in their statement. "General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of army staff, and all ranks of the Indian Army convey their deepest condolences to the brave hearts, Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, who laid down their lives in the line of the duty while undertaking a counter-terrorist operation in Doda in order to ensure peace in the region. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief," the post read.


Actions on specific inputs a joint operation was launched by Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Desa area of Doda. The first contact with the terrorists was established at 9 pm on Monday night, which lead to a heavy gunfight, army officials confirmed. Additional troops were moved into the area and the operation lasted for hours. According to officials terrorists had tried to escape but were chased by “the brave troops” led by an officer, despite challenging terrain.

"Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Indian Army and JKP was in progress in the General area North of Doda. Contact with terrorists was established tonight at about 2100h in which heavy firefight ensued," the White Knights Corps said on Monday night in a post on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed sorrow over the incident but asserted the continued commitment to eliminate terrorists from the region. “Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army Soldiers in a counter-terrorist operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). 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. 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.” Singh posted on X


Congress MP and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi has questioned the Union government over the spike in terrorist activities in the region while expressing condolences to the bereaved families. He called it the result of the failed policies of the BJP.

“Such horrific incidents happening one after the other is extremely sad and worrying. These continuous terrorist attacks are revealing the poor condition of Jammu and Kashmir. Our soldiers and their families are bearing the brunt of BJP's wrong policies”, Gandhi posted on X. He urged the government to take responsibility for the repeated attacks.
“It is the demand of every patriotic Indian that the government should take full responsibility for the repeated security lapses and take strict action against the culprits who harm the country and the soldiers. In this hour of grief, the entire country stands united against terrorism”, he added.


There has been a recent spate in terrorist activities soon after the Lok Sabha elections. Narendra Modi's government on the floor of the parliament while hailing abrogation of article 370, had indicated return of statehood in the Jammu and Kashmir region soon.


In June, nine pilgrims were killed and dozens wounded when terrorists opened fire on their bus while returning from a shrine in the southern Reasi area of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was one of the deadliest attacks in years and the first on Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir since 2017, when seven pilgrims were killed by militants in another ambush on a bus.​​