In a devastating two-day confrontation with terrorists amidst the dense and low-visibility forests of the Pir Panjal range in Kalakote, Jammu, the challenging uphill terrain became the backdrop to a heroic sacrifice. Two army officers and three jawans lost their lives in the line of duty, while security forces successfully neutralized two Pakistani terrorists, including a skilled Lashkar-e-Taiba sniper and explosives expert.
Security force sources disclosed to The Daily Guardian the formidable challenges faced during the operation, operating in an environment where visibility was restricted to mere meters. Positioned at a higher vantage point, the terrorists strategically fired from behind boulders, maximizing their cover.
The terrorists, on the run since November 19, sought refuge in “dhoks” or shelters for graziers in the region. Prompted by a local complaint, the army initiated operations near Ziarat, BajiMal, Gulabgarh forest, and the Solaki Area.
Captain MV Pranjal of 63 Rashtriya Rifles, the first casualty, was shot while conversing with an elderly woman to gather information in the area where the terrorists were hiding. Major DS Mehra of 9 Para, demonstrating unparalleled courage, entered the area to rescue Captain Pranjal, drawing fire from the terrorists and sustaining a gunshot wound. Despite the evacuation of Major Mehra, Captain Pranjal succumbed to his injuries.
Supporting Major Mehra were Captain Shubham Gupta, Havildar Abdul Majid, and Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, all from 9 Para Special Forces. Tragically, Captain Gupta and two jawans lost their lives while tactically intervening.
Shortly after 9 am, one of the Pakistani terrorists was eliminated, but Paratrooper Sachin Laur lost his life in action during the operation. The second terrorist, utilizing stone structures (Sangar) in the forest for cover, was subsequently eliminated.
Sources identified one of the terrorists as Quari, a Lashkar-e-Taiba sniper and explosives expert actively involved in Rajouri for over a year. Quari played a pivotal role in at least three terror incidents, according to the sources. The sacrifice of the army personnel and the successful neutralization of the terrorists underscore the persistent challenges faced in maintaining peace and security in the region.