In what came out as saddening news for all, a two-year-old army dog named Axel was shot dead by a terrorist in Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday. Axel was killed minutes after he sniffed out the terrorist who was hiding.
Bravery of Axel saved the lives of soldiers
Army sources informed that another assault dog, Bajaj, was first sent to sanitise the building in Baramulla’s Wanigam Bala village. Axel was only deployed after the first room was sanitised. Soon after he entered the second room to clear it as the suspected terrorists were hiding there, he was shot multiple times by a terrorist.
The source reported, “An exchange of fire ensued between the troops and the terrorists, and once the operation was over, body of Axel was retrieved. Axel’s handler also sustained superficial injuries.”
What needs to be noted is that the post-mortem of Axel revealed that apart from the bullet wounds, he had more than ten wounds and a fracture of the femur.
Axel was serving in the 26 Army Dog Unit in the Kashmir valley. Reportedly, he was deployed in a search mission during an anti-terror operation that was being carried out by the 29 Rashtriya Rifles battalion.
Axel was also given the ceremonial honours held by HQs 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles. He was later buried on the unit grounds of 26 Army Dog Unit.
Role of Canines in the army operations
Axel was a Belgian Malinois and it was last year when the elite units of the army stepped in with the decision to get Belgian Malinois. The breed is known for its agility, sharp mind and spectacular stamina and aggression.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), for the first time, introduced the breed in anti-Naxal operations. Apart from Belgian Malinois, the army also uses Labradors and German Shepherds in operations. Moreover, the Great Swiss Mountain Dogs are used in snow-bound areas.
The canines are believed to play a crucial role in operations and many of them have also been honoured for their contribution to the army.
Mansi, a four-year-old Labrador, was the first to be selected for a war honour. It was after she along with her handler Bashir Ahmed War sacrificed themselves during an infiltration bid by terrorists in north Kashmir in 2015.
Coming to the duties which are performed by Army dogs – from guard duty to patrolling, from sniffing explosives including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to mine detection; the roles of canines are very critical. Moreover, they also sniff drugs and assault potential targets as well as participate in search operations as they can easily sniff out hiding terrorists.
The training of army dogs takes place at the Remount and Veterinary Corps Centre and School located in Meerut.
More about Army dogs
Army dogs serve for around eight years and then get retired. Earlier, the practice of euthanizing Army dogs after retirement used to exist. This led to a severe backlash by many following which the policy was revised. Army dogs are not euthanized anymore.
The Minister of State for Defence revealed in 2019 that “the Army had 25 full dog units and two half units. A full dog unit comprises 24 dogs and a half unit has 12 of them.”
Indian Army awards animals, including dogs, for their distinguished contribution. They are eligible to be honoured with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, Vice Chief of Staff Commendation Card and General Officer Commanding in Chief Commendation Card as well.
Since each Army dog has a handler with him who ensures the well-being of the dog to guide it through various tasks, the handlers are also eligible for the gallantry medals. There have been occasions when the handlers were awarded Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medal for taking part in the operation.
Mind you, army dogs, are capable of doing what humans cannot and this is what makes their contributions even more important than others. It is time for the country to pay honours to Axel and all the army dogs who lay their lives for the safety of the nation.
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