An intense encounter in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on August 14, 2024, led to the tragic death of an Army officer and the neutralization of four terrorists. The operation, part of a broader counter-terrorism effort, was initiated by a joint team comprising the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police.
Background and Location
The encounter took place in the thickly forested, mountainous region of the Shivgarh-Assar belt in Doda, a district known for its challenging terrain and history of terrorist activity. Security forces had received intelligence about the presence of terrorists hiding in this remote area, prompting the cordon and search operation (CASO) that led to the confrontation. The terrorists involved were reportedly part of a foreign terrorist group, likely infiltrated from Pakistan-backed networks.
Sequence of Events
The encounter began on the evening of August 13, when the joint security forces closed in on the terrorists’ hideout. Initial contact with the terrorists occurred around 7:45 PM, leading to a brief but intense exchange of fire. The terrorists, heavily armed and familiar with the terrain, attempted to escape under the cover of thick foliage, but the forces pursued them, leading to another gunfight by 9 PM. The battle continued intermittently through the night and into the morning hours, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon to prevent the terrorists from fleeing.
By the morning of August 14, four terrorists had been killed, and the forces recovered their weapons, including sophisticated firearms such as M-4 carbines and blood-soaked rucksacks (Odisha TV). However, the operation came at a high cost. Four Army personnel were critically injured during the encounter, and despite evacuation efforts, they succumbed to their injuries. Among the fallen was a respected Army officer, Captain Brijesh Thapa, who had led the troops through the difficult terrain in pursuit of the terrorists (India Today).
The Impact and Aftermath
The terror group involved, ‘Kashmir Tigers,’ a known proxy of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), claimed responsibility for the attack (India Today). This group has been active in J&K for several years, having previously orchestrated several high-profile attacks on security forces. The encounter has once again highlighted the volatile security situation in J&K, where terrorist activities continue despite increased vigilance by Indian forces.
Following the encounter, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), expressed deep condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and reiterated the Army’s commitment to ensuring peace in the region. He also briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the operation and its outcomes (Republic World).
Strategic Implications
The encounter is part of a broader pattern of ongoing anti-terror operations in J&K, where the Indian Army has been working tirelessly to curb the infiltration of foreign terrorists. The Doda district, situated near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, has been a hotbed for such activities due to its proximity to terrorist launch pads across the border.
The encounter underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Indian security forces in dealing with well-armed and trained terrorists, often equipped with advanced weaponry and logistical support from across the border. Despite this, the Indian Army has achieved significant success in eliminating terrorist elements, with numerous terrorists being neutralized in recent operations.
The sacrifice of Captain Brijesh Thapa and his team is a somber reminder of the price that security forces continue to pay in safeguarding the region from terror. The operation has also raised concerns about the safety and morale of soldiers operating in such perilous environments, where encounters with terrorists often result in casualties.
Nationwide Reaction
The news of the Army officer’s death, along with the loss of other soldiers, has reverberated across India. Public figures, including political leaders, have expressed their condolences and lauded the bravery of the soldiers. Social media was flooded with tributes to the martyrs, as citizens from various parts of the country acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
In the immediate aftermath, security forces in the region were placed on high alert, with additional reinforcements sent to the area to track down any remaining terrorists. The encounter also prompted renewed calls for stronger counter-infiltration measures along the LoC, as well as enhanced coordination between intelligence agencies and ground forces to prevent such incidents in the future.
