In a poignant display of valour, an Indian Army dog named ‘Domino’ and his handler, Lance Naik Lucky Kumar, have been honoured for their pivotal role in tracking down a Pakistani terrorist during a recent encounter in Rajouri, where five soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. Despite sustaining injuries in the line of duty, Domino’s unwavering dedication and keen sense of smell played a crucial role in leading the troops to the terrorists’ hideout in the challenging terrain of Kalakote.
Indian Army officials shared the news on social media, expressing their admiration for the gallant duo. “The Army Commander complimented & felicitated the #gallant troops and Army Dog ‘Domino’ for successful #Operation in the most difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions,” read a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The two-day-long Rajouri encounter resulted in the elimination of two terrorists, including a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and sniper identified as Quari. The Army also successfully recovered significant quantities of ‘war-like stores’ from the encounter site.
Tragically, five soldiers, including two Army Captains, laid down their lives during the intense 36-hour-long gunfight that unfolded on Wednesday. The fallen heroes were identified as Captain MV Pranjal (63 RR) from Mangalore, Karnataka; Captain Shubham Gupta (9 Para) from Agra, Uttar Pradesh; Havaldar Abdul Majid (Para) from Ajote in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir; Lance Naik Sanjay Bist from Halli Padli area of Nainital, Uttarakhand; and Paratrooper Sachin Laur from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
To honor the sacrifice of these brave soldiers, a wreath-laying ceremony was conducted by the army at the Army General Hospital Rajouri. General Officer Commanding Romeo Force, along with other officers and police officials, paid their respects by laying wreaths.
As the nation mourns the loss of these courageous individuals, the mortal remains of the martyred army personnel are being transported to their respective native places for their final rites, marking a somber farewell to these true patriots.
