State Honours for Fallen Heroes in Jammu & Kashmir Encounter

Ajay Singh and Bijendra, two soldiers who lost their lives in a terrorist encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, were cremated with full state honours in Rajasthan. The solemn ceremonies were held on Wednesday, witnessing wide participation from their communities.

Meanwhile, the bodies of Captain Brijesh Thapa and Naik Dokkari Rajesh, who were also killed in the incident, are expected to reach their native places soon. Thapa's body will be transported to his hometown in Lebong from Bagdogra on Thursday, whereas Rajesh's remains are expected in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday evening.

The four soldiers succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash with terrorists from the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit in the Desa forest area. The attack is reported as the third major terror incident in the Jammu region within three weeks. Officials and dignitaries, including Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and former foreign secretary Harshvardhan Shringla, paid their respects to Captain Thapa.

(With inputs from agencies.)