Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Mourn Soldiers Lost in Jammu and Kashmir Encounter

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his sorrow over the deaths of two soldiers from Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam, Rajesh and Jagadeeshwara Rao, in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “Saddened by the loss of two brave soldiers, Rajesh and Jagadeeshwara Rao from Srikakulam in J&K. Their sacrifice will be remembered and my heartfelt condolences to their families. We are ensuring the honourable transfer of their bodies to homeland and providing all necessary support.”

The encounter occurred in the Desa Forest area on Monday evening, involving security forces and terrorists. The soldiers killed were identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay. General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army conveyed their deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army soldiers in a counter-terrorism operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The counter-terrorism operations are underway, and our soldiers remain committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism and restoring peace and order in the region.”

On Monday night, a joint operation by the Indian Army and JK Police was in progress in Doda based on specific intelligence inputs. The White Knight Corps reported that contact with terrorists was established around 9 pm, leading to a heavy firefight in which four Army personnel, including an officer, were killed. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the encounter.