• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:14 PM (IST)
  • Source:ANI
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Doda Encounter: The nation has so far lost four army personnel, including an officer, in the ongoing counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. The slain officer has been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, who was serving with Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles. Captain Thapa hailed from West Bengal's Darjeeling and was the son of a veteran.

Besides Captain Thapa, three army jawans, identified as Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, also lost their lives to injuries sustained during the latest confrontation between security forces and terrorists in J-K. On Tuesday, Colonel Bhuwanesh Thapa (retd), the father of late Captain Brijesh Thapa, said he was proud of the fact that his son laid down his life to protect the nation.

Captain Brijesh Thapa Parents' Reaction

"I feel proud that my son has done something for the nation and for the security of the nation. The only sad part is we won't be able to meet him again; otherwise, I am happy that he sacrificed his life for his country," Col Bhuwanesh Thapa (retd) told news agency ANI.

Recalling his son's enthusiasm to serve in the military, the army veteran said, "I could not believe when I was informed that he was no more. He always wanted to be in the Indian Army, right from his childhood. He used to wear my Army dress and roam around. Even after he had done his engineering, he still wanted to go to the Army. He cleared the exam in one go and was admitted into the Army."

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The slain officer's mother echoed sentiments similar to that of her husband, saying, "He (Brijesh) won't return to us. At 11 pm, we received the news. He was a very decent guy. He always wanted to join the Army. We used to tell them that life in the Army is tough. I am very proud of my son who sacrificed his life for the country. The government will take action. Unfortunately, we lost our son."

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Meanwhile, condoling Captain Thapa's demise on X (formerly Twitter), West Bengal Mamata Banerjee posted, "Sad to know that Brijesh Thapa, a young Army officer from Darjeeling sacrificed his life in the line of duty in Jammu and Kashmir. My sincere condolences."

(With inputs from agencies)