Srinagar, Apr 16: The Army on Saturday paid floral tributes to three soldiers who died in an accident while on way to an encounter site in Shopian on Thursday.
“Army today paid tribute to Subedar Shri Om, Havildar Ramautar and Sepahi Pawan Singh Gurjar, who made the supreme sacrifice on 14 Apr 2022 near Kanipora village of South Kashmir’s Shopian district,” Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Emron Musavi said.
“In a solemn ceremony at BB Cantonment, Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen DP Pandey, and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldiers on behalf of the proud nation,” he said.
The soldiers were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in overturned near Kanipora village en route to the encounter site at Badigam, Shopian.
Owing to the wet road conditions, the driver had seemingly lost control over the vehicle and it skidded off the road, the defence spokesman said.
Subedar Shri Om (41) had joined the Army in 1998. He belonged to Village – Mahrana, Post – Charkhidadri, Tehsil – Charkhidadri, District – Bhiwani in Haryana and is survived by his wife.
Havildar Ramautar (39) had joined the Army in 2002. He belonged to Village – Lalpur, Post – Ujoli, Tehsil – Kotkashim, District – Alwar in Rajasthan and is survived by his wife.
Sepahi Pawan Singh Gurjar (23) had joined the Army in 2018. He belonged to Village – Kanchanpura, Post – Talchiri, Tehsil – Mahawa, District- Dausa in Rajasthan and is survived by his mother.
“Their mortal remains will be taken for last rites to their native places, where they will be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well being,” Col Musavi said.
IED defused in Rajouri
Security forces detected and destroyed an improvised explosive device planted alongside the Rajouri-Gurdan road early on Saturday, police said.
According to a police spokesperson, information was received about some suspicious movement in Gurdan Chawa village on Rajouri-Gurdan road the previous night.
Joint teams of the police and Army personnel launched a cordon and search operation and found a suspicious object lying on the roadside, he said.
On inspection, the object turned out to be an IED. The bomb squad of the police later took it in their possession and destroyed it following standard operating procedure.
The police have registered a case and further investigation was underway, the spokesperson said.
