Soldier martyred in Sopore anti-militancy operation
21/01/2025
SRINAGAR, Jan 20: A soldier from the Army's elite counter-insurgency unit was martyred in an ongoing anti-militancy operation in Sopore sub-district, officials said on Monday.
The encounter, the first of the year in Kashmir, began on Sunday evening when joint forces launched an operation in the Zaloora, Gujjarpati area of Sopore. During the operation, a militant hideout was uncovered.
According to the Army, the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.
They said a joint cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched in collaboration with the J&K Police during which security forces noticed suspicious movement, and when challenged, the militants opened indiscriminate fire, which was effectively retaliated.
In the ensuing gunfight, one soldier, identified as Sowar (Swr) Pangala Kartheek of the 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR)battalion, sustained critical injuries, reportedly caused by a grenade blast. He was immediately evacuated for medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries, officials said.
Army paid tributes to the soldier killed in Sopore.
"All Ranks of the Chinar Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Swr Pangala Kartheek, who laid down his life in the line of duty. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolences, and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family," Army Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a post on X.
This is the first fatal casualty suffered by the forces in 2025. Last year nine army men were killed in the line of duty in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, officials in north Kashmir said that a massive combing operation continued on Monday in the Zaloora, Gujjarpati area. Following the exchange of fire on Sunday evening, security forces maintained a tight cordon overnight and resumed intensive searches early Monday morning.
"There has been no fresh contact with the terrorists, but the search operation is ongoing," officials stated.
The anti-militancy operation is being carried out at a time when security has been stepped up across Kashmir ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.
During a recent security review meeting, Kashmir Inspector General of Police V. K. Birdi instructed officers to maintain a high level of alertness.
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