Soldier killed in Sopore gunfight

Sopore, Jan 20: An army soldier was killed in an encounter that erupted in the Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday. The operation marks the first gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir in the year 2025.
The operation, conducted in Gujjar Pati, Zaloora, under the jurisdiction of Sopore police district, was based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists, an official said.
He, however, said that after an extensive search, the terrorists managed to flee the encounter site. The operation was then called off.
The official said the operation began with a joint team of the Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police cordoning off the area. The search intensified after fire was observed from inside a busted hideout.
The operation, which was halted due to darkness, resumed at first light. Security measures had already been heightened across the valley ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
In the ensuing gunfight, an army man, Swr Pangala Kartheek of 22 Rashtriya Rifles, sustained fatal injuries and succumbed, the official said, adding that despite sealing all entry and exit points, the terrorists escaped.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps paid rich tributes to Swr Pangala Kartheek for his “supreme sacrifice”.
In a post on social media platform X, Chinar Corps said: “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.”
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid homage to the martyred soldier. “I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army braveheart Swr Pangala Kartheek. His valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief.” (KNO)