Second terrorist eliminated in Sujal Gala Operation in Rajouri

• Another attempt to disturb peace in Rajouri district: Indian Army
• Army personnel pays last respects to Army dog Kent, who laid down her life while shielding its handler.

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, Sept 13: In a three-day-long anti-terror operation the Indian Army in joint operation with J&K Police and Central Paramilitary Forces (CPM) eliminated two hard-core Pakistani terrorists in ‘Operation Sujaligala’ launched on September 11 in general area Narla in Kalakot sub-district of Rajouri district.
In the anti-terror operation Lance Naik Ravi also attained martyrdom, The Army Dog namely Kent was fatal, while three other soldiers and a Special Police Officer (SPO) namely Vishal Singh were injured and are under treatment in the 150 GH (army hospital) in Rajouri.
It is pertinent to mention here that Indian Army personnel pay last respects to six-year-old female Labrador (Kent) of the 21 Army Dog Unit Kent who laid down her life while shielding its handler during the operation.
After intensive anti-terror operations launched jointly by the Indian Army & the PMFs for the last about two months, the terrorists operating in Rajouri district are looking for shelter in den sly forested areas.
“On September 4, one terrorist was eliminated in Kalaban area in Reasi district and additional Forces were deployed in the area to eliminate the remaining terrorist,” said the Army.
The Army added that on September 7, two unidentified terrorists were spotted in Mathiyani Gala in Rajouri district.
“Based on this input domination plan and intelligence operations were launched jointly by Indian Army, JKP and sister intelligence agencies. On September 11 both the terrorists were again spotted in the forest in the same area,” added Army.
“The individuals on being challenged, taking advantage of poor visibility compounded with adverse weather conditions started running. On visual confirmation of weapon with them, own party fired on them and it is likely that one of them got injured,” said PRO (Defense) Jammu, Lt Col Suneel Barwal.
“The joint cordon of the area was done along with JKP and night-enabled surveillance devices were pressed into service to deny any escape of the terrorists & on September 12 morning the SFS recovered a bag left behind by the terrorists” he added.
Army Dog Kent was employed and a trail of the terrorists was followed for some distance. However, owing to rains and moisture, the trail was lost.
During ensuing chase of the terrorists, Kent picked up this trail and the party started closing in. Seeing the party moving closer the terrorists hiding in the thick overgrowth opened fire at point-blank range
“Initial fire hit Kent, her handler and another soldier covering the move. The party continued to close in undeterred to prevent the terrorists from escaping. In the ensuing heavy firefight, displaying exceptional courage, own troops successfully neutralised one terrorist. Simultaneously, another party in close vicinity was also fired upon,” said PRO Defense.
“Casualty evacuation of soldiers was done, however, since the terrorist fire was going on, the body of Kent could not be retrieved. Later, one of the three soldiers succumbed to his injuries,” said the Army.
The injured two soldiers and a Police SPO were evacuated to the Military Hospital. As darkness set in and visibility started reducing with heavy rains, the cordon was again tightened to prevent the second terrorist from escaping.
Fire fight continued throughout the night to ensure terrorists didn’t get away. At around 10 am on 13 September, the second terrorist was spotted and firefight commenced, during which another soldier was injured while the second terrorist was neutralised.
The success of the operation is an apt testimony of the coordination and cooperation existing between the various agencies involved.
The recovery made from the possession of the slain terrorists includes 2 AK 47 rifles along with 7 magazines and 48 rounds; food items, knife, lighter etc.
“White Knight Corps salutes the supreme sacrifice of R/M Ravi during Op Sujaligala in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His unwavering dedication & service to our nation will always be remembered” read White Knight Corps Tweet.