Gunfire Exchanged in Bhatta Area During Doda Encounter in J&K

Late on Tuesday night, there was a clash between security forces and terrorists in the Bhatta area of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Search operations are ongoing.

In a separate incident on Monday evening in the Desa Forest area, an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists, resulting in the tragic deaths of four soldiers. The Indian Army expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and assured them of support during this difficult time.

The soldiers who lost their lives have been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D. Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay. General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, conveyed their deepest condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also offered his condolences and emphasized that counter-terrorism operations are ongoing in the region to maintain peace.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to what he termed "Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Monday night, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was underway in Doda based on specific intelligence inputs. The encounter with terrorists began around 9 p.m., resulting in a heavy exchange of gunfire where the soldiers lost their lives. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi briefed Defense Minister Rajnath Singh about the situation on Tuesday.