Bandipora: Hundreds of people attended the Nimaz-e-Jinazah of Sepoy Waseem Ahmad Bhat, a soldier from Dachigam area of Bandipora, as he was laid to rest with full military honors here on Sunday.
Bhat lost his life in the line of duty in an encounter in Halan forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday last.
The 29-year-old Bhat was among three army soldiers taken to 92 Base Hospital after sustaining critical injuries during the Halan Kulgam operation – where all of them succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
Bhat’s mortal remains were ferried back from the military hospital Srinagar to his native village Dachigam Bandipora on Sunday morning.
Hundreds of locals, along with top officials from the Army, police and CRPF gathered at Middle School Dachigam to pay their respects and witness the last rites, which were conducted with full religious and military honors.
Meanwhile, Army on Sunday paid rich tributes to three of its colleagues who were killed in a recent encounter in Halan Kulgam, defence spokesman said in a statement here.
Pertinently, Havildar Babulal Haritwal, Signalman Vala Mahipalsinh Pravinsinh, and Rifleman Waseem Sarwar “made the supreme sacrifice during a fire fight with terrorists in Operation Halan, Kulgam on 05 Aug 2023”, the spokesman said.
He said in a solemn ceremony at Chinar War Memorial, BB Cantt, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to the soldiers on behalf of the nation.
Late Havildar Babulal Haritwal was 39 years old and had joined the Army in 2002. He belonged to Village Hanutpura, Post Khuraladkhani, Tehsil, Shahpura, District Jaipur in Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Late Signalman Vala Mahipalsinh Pravinsinh was 27 years old and had joined the Army in 2016. He belonged to Village Viratnagar, Post Odhav, Tehsil Ahmedabad, District Ahmedabad in Gujarat. He is survived by his wife.
Late Rifleman Waseem Sarwar was 29 years old and had joined the Army in 2014. He belonged to Village Dachigam Bandipora, District Bandipora in north Kashmir. He is survived by his wife.
“The mortal remains of Late Havildar Babulal Haritwal, Late Signalman Vala Mahipalsinh Pravinsinh, Rifleman Waseem Sarwar have been taken for last rites to their native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours,” the spokesman said.
He said in this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing.
