The Story of Zoom... Vinit Vartak ©

 The Story of Zoom... Vinit Vartak ©

ऐ मेरे वतन के लोगों, ज़रा आँख में भर लो पानी

जो शहीद हुए हैं उनकी, ज़रा याद करो कुर्बानी

जब घायल हुआ हिमालय, ख़तरे में पड़ी आज़ादी

जब तक थी साँस लडे वो, फिर अपनी लाश बिछा दी 

संगीन पे धर कर माथा, सो गये अमर बलिदानी

जो शहीद हुए हैं उनकी, ज़रा याद करो कुर्बानी

जब देश में थी दीवाली, वो खेल रहे थे होली

जब हम बैठे थे घरों में, वो झेल रहे थे गोली

थे धन्य जवान वो अपने, थी धन्य वो उनकी जवानी

जो शहीद हुए हैं उनकी, ज़रा याद करो कुर्बानी.... 

Written by Kavi Pradeep and immortalized by the late Lata Mangeshkar in her mesmerizing voice. Even today, whenever these words are read or heard, the edges of the eyes become wet, the body trembles, the hands go to salute and in our hearts we remember those nameless heroes. A few days ago, it was confirmed once again that these words are not limited to the soldiers of India. Once again the words came to the lips and the folded hand salute was for a gallant, mighty Indian army dog. Who sacrificed his life for the defense of India without caring for his own life. This is the story of the same mighty 'Zoom'.

The day was 9 October 2022. When the Indian Army got information that two Lashkar-e-Toyabba militants were hiding in Anantnag area of ​​Kashmir. The Indian Army cornered these militants and Operation Tangpawa was launched to bring them back. Realizing that they were occupied by the Indian Army from all sides and with no escape route in sight, the militants started firing machine guns on the civilians. The Indian Army's 15 Assault Chinar Corps was tasked with eliminating them. 'Zoom' was a part of the same team. Zoom was a Belgian Malinois fighting dog with a black-and-tan coat. Two-and-a-half-year-old Zoom was an integral part of the Indian Army. Zoom, who is highly trained in combat, had participated in many operations of the Indian Army earlier.

Zoom's main responsibility was to track down the militants and provide their proper location and information to the Indian Army and eliminate the enemy by surprise attack. Zoom was so dangerous that he was so obedient that he wouldn't let go of an enemy's jaws even if he lost his life unless ordered by the soldier who trained him. Part of the Indian Army, these trained dogs are used for many operations. They are mainly equipped with cameras. Due to which these dogs attack the enemy with great agility and without warning. Due to the camera on them, the soldiers of the Indian Army get detailed information about the place where the terrorist or the enemy is hiding and the ammunition they have. After that further action is taken.

On October 9, 2022, the Indian soldiers could not predict the militants hiding in the house. As it was not predicted, it was difficult to resist them. By the time they started targeting common citizens, the Indian Army was running out of time. Zoom was given the responsibility to hunt down these militants and eliminate them. Zoom entered the house without a moment's delay. As instructed, he began to follow them from room to room very quietly and in such a way that the militants could not be guessed. After finding out in which room the militants were hiding, he attacked them without a moment's delay. Both the militants were scattered by the sudden attack. Zoom literally killed a terrorist while breaking his hold. But while he was doing this, the other shot him twice. While blood was flowing from his body, Zoom did not release the militant from his mouth. The militants were literally stunned by Zoom's attack. Due to their confusion, the Indian army found the same place. The soldiers of the Indian Army captured them in a moment. After making sure that the two terrorists lying in front of him in a pool of blood are completely killed and his assigned mission complete, Zoom releases the terrorist and he comes out of the house injured. A lot of blood flowed from his body and he fell unconscious on the road.

Zoom was immediately admitted to the Army Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar. The doctors there tried desperately to save him. But on October 13, 2022, at 11:50 am, Zoom gave the supreme sacrifice while fighting for the country. It was only because of him that the Indian Army was able to corner two dangerous Lashkar-e-Toiba militants. Recognizing the supreme sacrifice made by Zoom, the Indian Army bid him farewell with military honours. The manner in which tributes are paid at the Amar Jawan Jyoti or now at the War Memorial. In that way Indian Army paid tribute to its fighter Zoom. He has shared a video of it on Twitter. I sincerely feel that every Indian should watch it.

My strongest salute to Zoom who gave his supreme sacrifice for the defense of India. Every Indian will be indebted to you for this sacrifice.

Footnote :- Here are some Twitter links to give an idea of ​​how Zoom was and how it cornered the extremists. I request all the readers to watch this video and tweet.

Jai Hind!!!

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