On Independence Day eve, Indian army officer killed in Kashmir operation

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - On the eve of India’s Independence Day, an army officer was killed on Wednesday in a military operation against suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

“All Ranks of White Knight Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of brave heart Capt. Deepak Singh who succumbed to his injuries," said the military on X.

Singh was killed during a military operation in the Doda district of the disputed region.

The South Asian nation will celebrate its 78th independence day on Thursday.

“We offer our deepest condolences," the military added.

The Indian army had said a military operation was going on in Doda since Tuesday in the Akar forest near Patnitop area of Jammu province, during which Singh was leading the team when he was seriously injured in the firefight.

“He was shifted to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries,” officials said.

The Indian army said that during the operation, "a US-based M4 assault rifle and three blood-soaked rucksacks, containing equipment and logistics were also recovered from the encounter site."

Officials also said three to four militants are believed to be trapped in the area. “Some are injured as well as blood trails are visible on the ground.”

The army added that one suspected militant was also killed in the operation.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday chaired a high-level security meeting to assess the situation in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

The meeting was attended by senior army officials, as well as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Last Saturday, two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in a South Kashmir encounter.

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in militant attacks in the Jammu province, which has long been quiet.

Since June 12, the Doda district alone has witnessed over half a dozen militant attacks, resulting in the killing of four Indian soldiers and one army captain.

The Home Ministry announced last month that this year as of July 21, a total of 28 people, including civilians and Indian armed forces, had been killed in the Jammu and Kashmir region.