paid tribute to the family of the JCO killed during an anti-insurgency operation in Kishtwar district on Sunday.
In a post on X, Sinha wrote, “I salute the courage and supreme sacrifice of the Army’s braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar, who laid down his life in the line of duty in Kishtwar. His selfless service to the nation will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the martyr.”
Earlier on Sunday, a Para Commando was killed, and three Special Forces soldiers were injured in an encounter with terrorists in the remote forest area of Kishtwar district.
Upon noticing suspicious movement, security forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the forested area.
As the joint team of Army, Police, and CRPF closed in, the militants opened fire on the troops, and the security forces returned fire.
During the initial exchange, four personnel from the elite Para Special Forces were injured. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a nearby hospital, where one junior commissioned officer later succumbed to his injuries, according to the Army.
Earlier on Thursday, militants had kidnapped and killed two village defence guards in Kishtwar. The joint search team of Police, Army, and CRPF later recovered their bodies.
Police officials stated that the militants engaged in Sunday’s gunfight were from the same group responsible for the VDGs' killings.
Jammu and Kashmir has recently seen a rise in terror attacks, with more than ten encounters and attacks since October 18.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged security forces to step up efforts to curb these incidents and ensure peace in the region.
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