Srinagar: Army today paid rich tribute to Army assault dog ‘Zoom’, who died at Military Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar on Thursday.
He was wounded during an anti militancy operation in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday in which two militants of Laskar-e-Taiba were killed. .
In a solemn ceremony at Chinar War Memorial, Badami Bagh Cantonment, on behalf of all ranks of Chinar Corps, Lt Gen ADS Aujla, General officer Commanding Chinar Corps paid homage to the gallant soldier, Srinagar based defence spokesman said.
He said on October 10, during the operation in Anantnag, ‘Zoom’ played a key role in not only identifying the precise location of the militants, but also in disabling one of them.
“However, the intrepid canine in the process suffered two gunshots. Despite being injured, ‘zoom’ located the other hiding terrorist and returned back from the target area and fainted due to severe blood loss. His action galvanised the team to speedily serve justice to the two LeT terrorists,” the spokesman said.
The canine trooper was subsequently immediately evacuated to Army Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar, where he fought till the very end. He breathed his last at 11:50 am on October 13
“Army Canine Zoom was an invaluable member of the Chinar Warriors. Despite his young age of two years, Zoom was a veteran of multiple CT ( counter terrorist) operations, where he had distinguished himself with his energy and courage. In Zoom, Chinar Corps has lost a valiant team member, who will inspire all ranks to undertake their task with humility, dedication and courage,” the spokesman said.
Zoom was the second assault dog to get killed in an anti militancy operation in Kashmir since July.
In another, dog “Axel” sacrificed his life in an encounter.
On July 30, Army assault dog ‘Axel’ was killed during an anti militancy operation at Wanigambala, district Baramulla, Kashmir.
