Family Grieves, Nation Salutes: Captain Brijesh Thapa Martyred in Anti-Terror Op
New Delhi, 16th July 2024: Colonel (Retd.) Bhuwanesh Thapa, father of Captain Brijesh Thapa who was killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Doda, expressed deep pride in his son’s sacrifice. Col (retd) Thapa stated, “When I heard the news of his passing, I couldn’t believe it. He came home in March and stayed only for 15 days. Despite my sadness, I am immensely proud that he gave his life for our country. Tomorrow, when his body arrives, I will salute him as a soldier.”
Captain Brijesh, raised in a military environment due to his father’s Army career, had always aspired to join the Indian Army. “In his childhood, he would wear my Army uniform and play soldier. Even after completing his engineering, his dream was to serve in the Army. Though we won’t see him again, I am glad he fulfilled his wish,” shared Col (retd) Bhuwanesh.
His mother, Nilima Thapa, overwhelmed with grief since learning of her son’s death, echoed her pride, saying, “He sacrificed his life for the country. He won’t come back to us. We received the news at 11 pm. He was a wonderful person who always aimed to join the Army. I am immensely proud of him.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her condolences, stating, “Sad to hear about Brijesh Thapa, a young Army officer from Darjeeling, who lost his life in Jammu and Kashmir. My heartfelt condolences.”
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista also mourned Captain Thapa’s death, declaring, “Darjeeling mourns for Captain Brijesh today. We are proud of our Gorkha brother. I stand with the family. Our Gorkha brother has once again shed his blood for the nation.”
Captain Thapa, along with three other security personnel, was martyred during an encounter with terrorists in the Desa Forest area on Monday evening. The fallen soldiers were identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D. Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay.
Following specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was conducted in Doda on Monday night. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday regarding the operation in Doda.
