Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, June 7

An Indian Army officer died during an ongoing anti-militancy operation in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir after he sustained fatal injuries in a fall while carrying out operational duties in difficult terrain, officials said on Sunday.

Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami died after falling into a deep gorge during a search operation in the Dori Maal area of Gambhir Mughalan in Rajouri’s Pir Panjal region, where security forces have been conducting an intensive operation for more than two weeks.

The operation, which entered its 16th day on Sunday, continued across the dense forested terrain with security personnel maintaining a strong presence in the area and carrying out searches under challenging conditions, officials said.

In a statement, the Army expressed profound grief over the officer’s death, saying he lost his life while serving in an area marked by rugged terrain, steep cliffs and adverse weather.

“The officer’s unwavering devotion to duty, indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation will continue to remain an inspiration for all ranks,” the Army said.

A wreath-laying ceremony with full military honours was held at Air Force Station Jammu, where Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and General Officer Commanding of the White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General P.K. Mishra, paid tribute to the fallen officer.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra and senior officers from the Army, paramilitary forces, police and civil administration also attended the ceremony.

Goswami, a resident of Almora district in Uttarakhand, was honoured before his mortal remains were sent to his native village for last rites.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Sinha said the nation would remain indebted to the officer’s sacrifice.

“The nation will forever remain indebted to his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We stand firmly with the family of the martyr in this difficult hour,” the lieutenant governor said.

The White Knight Corps also paid tribute to Goswami, saying he made the supreme sacrifice while performing operational duties under difficult conditions.

“His unwavering devotion to duty, indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation will remain an enduring inspiration to all ranks,” the Corps said in a statement, adding that it stood in solidarity with the bereaved family.