Commanding Officer Killed in Operations
The Commanding Officer of 18 Rashtriya Rifles attained martyrdom, while carrying out counter insurgency operations in Kuligam in Kupwara Distt in J&K last night. In the early hours of last night, the unit laid two ambushes to dominate the area; one of them led by the Company Commander, made contact with militants. On getting information, Col Neeraj Sood, alongwith his Quick Reaction Team, being the closest, at the Company Operating Base, rushed to the site. In the ensuing firefight the Commanding Officer sustained a gun shot wound on his head and succumbed to his injuries. The Army is presently continuing its operation, in the area.
A first divisioner from Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrew Ganj, the officer is a resident of Delhi. Colonel Neeraj Sood was commissioned into 8 Rajputana Rifles, in Dec 92, and is an alumni of National Defence Academy, having passed out with the 91 Regular Course from IMA, Dehradun. A keen sportsman, the officer had extensive counter insurgency experience. He has been an instructor at the Army’s prestigious Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Variengte and had a high profile. The officer is survived by his wife, Priti, a house wife and an eleven year old daughter, Mishika, who is studying in class five.
SOS/R
(Release ID :62756)