Indian Army K9 Awarded for Tracking Down Pakistani Terrorists during Rajouri Encounter

Indian Army dog Domino and his handler, Lance Naik Lucky Kumar, received recognition in the form of the Northern Army Commendation Card for their instrumental role in apprehending a Pakistani terrorist during a recent encounter in Rajouri.

The commendation was swiftly presented by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who commended Domino for his exceptional tracking skills. Domino keen sense of smell enabled him to trace the blood trail of the terrorists, ultimately leading the security forces to their hideouts and facilitating their neutralization.

The Northern Army Commendation Card is a prestigious award conferred upon Indian Army personnel in acknowledgment of acts of gallantry, distinguished service, or unwavering devotion to duty.

According to Indian Army officials, Domino played a crucial role in guiding the troops to the terrorists hideout in the Kalakote area. Despite being injured in a gunfight, Domino persisted in sniffing out the blood trail, aiding the forces in their mission.

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Kalakote area in Rajouri to assess the operational situation following the encounter. During the operation, two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including a high-ranking commander, were eliminated, but tragically, five Indian Army personnel lost their lives.

The encounter unfolded between terrorists and a joint team comprising Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala. The top LeT commander, identified as Quari, was known for orchestrating various attacks, including the Dangri incident and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri Poonch areas, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.

The army recovered substantial quantities of "War Like Stores" from the encounter site. Quari elimination is considered a significant setback to the resurgence of terrorism in the affected districts, as stated by an army official.

Heart-wrenching visuals from the wreath-laying ceremony on Friday depicted army officers and soldiers paying their final respects to their fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty during the intense firefight.