Havildar Gajendra Singh, a soldier of the Indian Army’s 2 PARA (Special Forces), was killed on Monday after sustaining bullet wounds and grenade splinter injuries during a counter-terrorism operation in the mountains of Kishtwar. His death marks the first security force fatality in a counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2026.Singh, a native of Uttarakhand, was among eight soldiers injured late Sunday when terrorists opened fire on a joint Army–police search party in dense forests near Sonnar village in the Chatroo belt, officials said. He and two other injured personnel were airlifted to a hospital, but Singh succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts.
#WhiteKnightCorps | #Homage | #WeSaluteOurBraveheartIn solemn remembrance,
White Knight Corps paid tribute to Braveheart Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, who made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a Counter Terrorism Operation in the Singpura area… pic.twitter.com/SOGneb4AU6
— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) January 20, 2026
Service Record and Unit Background
Havildar Gajendra Singh served with 2 PARA (Special Forces), an elite battalion of the Parachute Regiment known for high-risk counter-terrorism and mountain warfare missions. The unit, often referred to by its operational nickname “Predators,” has been extensively deployed in Jammu and Kashmir due to its specialised training and operational experience, according to Army sources.Singh had recently been promoted, a milestone that was acknowledged within his unit only weeks before the operation. A retired Army officer, Digvijay Rawat, who previously served with the 21st Battaliob of Para Special Forces, said in a social media post that Singh had been distributing sweets in his unit following the promotion.Hav Gajendra Singh, 2 PARA (SF), just about a month ago, was distributing sweets in the unit on his well-deserved promotion . Hav Gajendra, a highly qualified battlefield medic, rushed to the aid of an injured soldier. This was done without regard for his own safety, despite the… pic.twitter.com/qhcs1aS9J7
— Maj Digvijay Singh Rawat, Kirti Chakra (@Dig_raw21) January 22, 2026
Operation Trashi-I and the Kishtwar Encounter
The Indian Army confirmed the operation through its White Knight Corps, which stated on X that contact was established with terrorists during a deliberate joint search operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Corps said troops displayed “exceptional professionalism and resolve” while responding to hostile fire under difficult terrain and weather conditions.#WhiteKnightCorps | #ContactWithTerroristsOperation Trashi - IContact was established with terrorists in the general area Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations alongwith @JmuKmrPolice.…
— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) January 18, 2026



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