Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir: An Indian Army officer made the supreme sacrifice while participating in an ongoing counter-terror operation in the rugged terrain of Rajouri district on Saturday evening. The officer, identified as Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami, lost his life after falling into a deep gorge during operational duties in the Manjakote sector.
Lieutenant Goswami was leading a search team along a narrow mountain ridge as part of the ongoing Operation Sheruwali when he lost his footing and fell into a steep gorge. Despite immediate rescue efforts by fellow troops, the officer succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident.
Operation Sheruwali, launched on 23 May following contact with terrorists in the general area of Gambhir Mughlan, entered its seventeenth day on Sunday. The joint operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) continues in the dense forested regions of Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal, where terrorists are suspected to be hiding.
The White Knight Corps paid tribute to the fallen officer and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. In an official statement, the Corps said:
“GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks express profound grief on the untimely demise of Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami who made the Supreme Sacrifice while undertaking operational duties in an area marked by rugged terrain, steep cliffs and adverse weather conditions. His unwavering devotion to duty, indomitable spirit and selfless service to the Nation will remain an enduring inspiration to all ranks. White Knight Corps stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and prays for eternal peace to the departed soul.”
Security forces have maintained an intensive search-and-destroy mission in the operational area, reinforced by additional troops and logistical support to establish a robust cordon around suspected terrorist hideouts. The operation witnessed heightened activity on 28 May following an exchange of fire in the Dorimal forest belt.
Given the challenging topography and dense vegetation, troops continue to employ advanced surveillance assets and sustained ground domination measures to track terrorist movement and prevent any attempts to break the security cordon. Aerial monitoring, area sanitisation, and verification checks along key routes remain underway as part of the comprehensive counter-terror grid.
Senior security officials have reiterated that the operation will continue until the entire area is thoroughly sanitised and all terrorist threats are neutralised.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage to the fallen officer, honouring his courage, commitment, and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Laid a wreath and paid homage to our Army Braveheart Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami. 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.
