Major killed in Poonch encounter

A Defence spokesman in Jammu said, 'Based on information regarding the presence of terrorists in Beri Rakh forest of Mendhar area, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a cordon and search operation on Sunday. Late last night, a contact was established with the terrorists and fire fight ensued," defence spokesman Lt Col Biplab Nath told rediff.com.

"The area is heavily forested with thick secondary undergrowth. In a forest with heavy secondary undergrowth, terrorists took advantage of hides and thus could cause casualties among the security forces."

"While two officers and five other ranks were injured, Major Amit K Thenge succumbed to his injuries at the military hospital. Bulk of the injuries was due to grenades lobbed by the terrorists. All other injured personnel are in stable condition. The operation is in progress," the spokesman said.

"The army has lost a brave officer, Maj Amit Thenge," he said.

"He was commissioned in the Corps of Signals on June 9, 2007. This 28-year old officer is a B. Tech graduate and is a resident of Chhindwara, M.P," he said.

"The operation is on and troops have surrounded the terrorists," the spokesman added.