And yet, Terrorists don't rest

You'd have thought that after this week's mega-encounter at Tangmarg, the terrorists would rest for some time to allow the situation to cool-off. But they dont seem to have got the message. Yesterday, another infiltration attempt was foiled. Thats the fourth attempt this week. 19 Terrorists dead, 5 Armymen dead.

Result: 7 Terrorists killed, 2 Jawans dead. RIP to the soldiers.

The Hindu has the story (link):

Seven militants killed

Srinagar: Seven militants and two jawans were killed on Saturday when security forces foiled two infiltration bids near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

A defence spokesman said here that six militants were killed in Tangdhar sector near the LoC.

Two jawans lost their lives in the gun battle.

One militant was killed by troops along the LoC in Baramulla district.

With Saturday’s incidents, the Army has foiled four bids by militants to infiltrate into Kashmir in as many days. Nineteen militants and five Army personnel were killed in these incidents. — PTI

Tears & Pain

As the dust settles on the "Fiercest encounter in 5 years", the nation pays tribute to the two officers who lost their lives but took 9 terrorists with them. The Army has suffered a great loss with the heroic deaths of Maj. Vinay and Maj. Raghu Raman. One was to be married end of this month, the other was about to become a father.

The loss of these two bright, highly qualified officers is a big blow to the army, especially since they are the officers on the field, leading the men. It comes close on the heels of the death of Col. Vasanth, who died in a similar encounter in August. They all died as they lived, leading from the front.

It will be hard for the men who fought with the two officers to come to terms with their deaths. They were bright, enthusiastic, honourable and Brave men who lived by the Army credo of putting the country and the men above all else. Maj. Raghu Raman, even as he was being evacuated, was still thinking of how to destroy the Terrorists, his last words being a plea to his commanding officer not to let any terrorist escape.

Their families, strong in their grief are justifiably proud of their sons, a trait common to all Army families. Veteran Sub Maj (Hony Capt) S Krishnamurty, Raghuram's father said that while he was proud to be the father of a martyr, despite having lost his son in the service of the nation he would still advise his grand child, who is yet to be born, to join the Army and serve the nation. “I am an ex-serviceman and very proud of my son, who laid down his life for the country. That is all I can say.”

May Maj. Raman and Vinay R.I.P, their families find the courage to face their loss. Above all, let not their sacrifice be in vain, forgotten by an ungrateful nation.

The sister & father of Maj. D.R. Raman pay their respects as his coffin is brought to the airport in New Delhi on Thursday.

Bodies of the militants killed

The Indian Army Website keeps a tally of Anti-terrorist Operations on both the Northern as well as North-Eastern Regions. Check out http://indianarmy.nic.in/arantimili.htm.