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It has been a truly heavy couple of days for our security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Just as we were hoping for the recovery of the soldiers injured yesterday, we’ve been hit with more devastating news. In an intense firefight that broke out in the remote forests of Kathua, we have lost a brave Para Commando.
The situation on the ground remains tense. Security forces had received a specific tip-off about terrorists hiding out in the Mandli area of Billawar, located in the Kathua district. Acting on this intelligence, a joint team of the Army and police moved in to cordon off the area.
You can imagine how difficult these operations are—dense forests, rough terrain, and the uncertainty of where the danger is hiding. As our troops closed in, the terrorists, who were seemingly waiting for a chance, lobbed a grenade and opened heavy fire on the search party.
In the ensuing gunbattle, one of our elite Para Commandos was critically injured. Despite the best efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. It’s a loss that hits hard because these are men who train their entire lives to stand as a shield between us and danger.
This encounter isn't an isolated incident. The Jammu region has been witnessing a worrying spike in terror activities lately. Just a day prior, tragic reports came in about Head Constable Bashir Ahmed losing his life, along with other security personnel being injured. Now, losing a Commando in the same week adds to the grief.
Right now, the operation is still underway. The area is tightly cordoned off, and our forces are determined to track down those responsible. But for now, the nation mourns. We often scroll past news headlines about "encounters," but behind every update is a family whose world has just stopped turning.
It’s a stark reminder of the price paid for the safety we often take for granted.
Read More: Not Just a Number Remembering the Commando Who Gave Everything in Billawar
