Having been posted at the high range since late last year, it was the team of Havildar, who is known as just Dada, which spotted the movement of terrorists in the area yesterday and lost no time in engaging them in an encounter that went on today too.
Enrolled in the Assam Regiment of the Army in 1997, Dada was posted with the 35 Rashtriya Rifles, a force carved out for counter-insurgency operations, at present.
He displayed raw courage, unflinching grit, presence of mind and with utter disregard to his personal safety and despite bleeding profusely, discharged his duties and made supreme sacrifice for the nation, the official said.
He charged at the spot where terrorists were holed up to ensure that two terrorists were killed on the spot and the third one after a scuffle today as they slid down the hill towards the Line of Control. One terrorist was shot dead by him yesterday itself.
His body was being taken to his native village where the last rites will be conducted with military honours.
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Major General J S Nain of North Kashmir-based 19-Division paid glowing tributes to Hav Dada and said he made the ultimate sacrifice of his life after fighting the four terrorists with bravery, courage and determination.
"His courage is worth mentioning. I salute his grit and determination as well as his parents who gave birth to such a braveheart," Gen Nain said after the incident.