Army officer dies during anti-terror operation in J&K’s Rajouri

Jammu: An Army officer was killed during the ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, which entered its 15th day on Sunday.

Officials said that the officer made the supreme sacrifice while performing operational duties during an ongoing anti-terror operation in the district.

Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami lost his life after reportedly slipping into a deep gorge in the rugged forest area of Manjakote, where security forces have been conducting a massive anti-terror operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sheruwali’, to trace suspected terrorists believed to be hiding in the region.

Officials said the young officer was part of the joint security team engaged in the operation, which has now entered its 15th day.

The incident occurred amid extremely challenging conditions, including steep mountainous terrain, dense forests and difficult weather conditions.

Despite immediate rescue efforts launched by fellow troops and accompanying teams, Lieutenant Goswami succumbed to the injuries sustained in the fall.

Paying tribute to the fallen officer, Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps expressed profound grief over the loss.

In a statement, the Corps said, “GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks express profound grief on the untimely demise of Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami, who made the supreme sacrifice while undertaking operational duties. “His unwavering devotion to duty, indomitable spirit and selfless service to the Nation will remain an enduring inspiration to all ranks.”

The Army also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Meanwhile, officials said the anti-terror operation in the Manjakote area of Rajouri district is continuing with the joint forces maintaining an extensive search and cordon to track down the terrorists suspected to be operating in the area.

The sacrifice of Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami has once again underscored the immense challenges faced by security forces while safeguarding the nation’s security in difficult and hostile terrains.

An anti-terror operation code-named ‘Operation Sheruwali’ was started 15 days back when an Army patrol party was fired upon by terrorists in the Dorimal Mughlan forests of Rajouri district.

Additional reinforcements were rushed to the area, and the joint forces brought a large area under the cordon & search operation (CASO). The operation is now underway.

IANS