Srinagar: An Army soldier was killed following an overnight encounter with terrorists in north Kashmir’s Sopore area, officials said on Monday.
“Sepoy Pangala Kartheek was injured in the exchange of fire with terrorists in a hideout at Zaloora Gujjarpati in Sopore police district and died as he was being evacuated from the scene of the gunbattle,” they said.
Security forces laid out a cordon on Sunday when they noticed fire while busting a militant hideout. They maintained tight vigil at Zaloora Gujjarpati during the night and intensified searches for suspected terrorists in the area this morning, the officials said.
Quoting officials, news agency KNO reported that even as the security forces had managed to seal all possible exits, “the terrorists managed to flee the encounter site, following which the operation had to be called off.”
“All Ranks of the Chinar Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Swr Pangala Kartheek, who laid down his life in the line of duty. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family,” Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the army posted on its X handle.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid homage to the slain soldier. “I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army braveheart Swr Pangala Kartheek. His valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief.”
