NEW DELHI, Jan 19: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday paid tributes to Havildar Gajendra Singh, who was killed during a counterterrorism operation being carried out at Singhpora in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, in the wee hours today.
In a post on X, the ADGPI wrote, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and All Ranks of the Indian Army salute braveheart Havildar Gajendra Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice in a Counter Terrorism Operation at Singpura, Jammu & Kashmir. Indian Army offers deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
Earlier, in a post White Knight Corps also paid homage to the slain soldier. “The GOC, White Knight Corps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, who made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a Counter Terrorism operation in the Singpura area during the ongoing Operation TRASHI-I on the intervening night of 18-19 Jan 2026. We honour his indomitable courage, valour and selfless devotion to duty and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of profound grief,” the post on X read.
On Monday morning, a joint team of Special Forces (SF) launched a massive search operation to track down the hiding terrorists in the forests of Singhpora.
A fierce gun battle erupted between security forces and terrorists on Sunday in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in the Kishtwar when acting on a tip-off about the presence of two to three terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, in the forest area, a team of army, police and special operation group launched searches.
The terrorists fired upon the search party, which retaliated, and the encounter triggered. However, as per reports, around eight soldiers have also suffered injuries, primarily due to splinter injuries caused by a sudden grenade attack from the hiding terrorists.
“The search operation resumed in the early morning, supported by drones and sniffer dogs,” they said, adding that the area has been cordoned off.
Earlier, during the annual press conference, General Dwivedi had stated that several terror camps across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remain active, even as security forces have sharply weakened the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
The COAS had said that nearly eight camps were still active to the army’s knowledge, with two located across the International Border and six positioned along the Line of Control.
“We believe there is still some presence or training activity in these camps? As far as our eyes and ears are concerned, since Operation Sindoor is underway, they will remain fully alert. Under this, we have already put in place whatever actions are required from our side,” he said.
(UNI )
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