Jammu/New Delhi: Five Army personnel were killed and another was seriously injured on Thursday after their vehicle caught fire following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch, officials said.
The deceased Army soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terror operations, the Army said in a statement.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande has briefed Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on the incident.
The Army said the vehicle the soldiers were travelling in came under fire from unidentified terrorists and it caught fire because of likely use of grenades.
“Today, at approximately 1500 hours, one Army vehicle, moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in the Rajauri sector was fired on by unidentified terrorists, taking advantage of heavy rains and low visibility in the area,” the Army said.
“The vehicle caught fire, due to likely use of grenades by terrorists,” it said.
Five personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles Unit deployed for counter-terrorist operations, in this area have unfortunately lost their lives in the incident, it said.
The Army said another soldier was seriously injured and he was evacuated immediately to the Army hospital at Rajauri.
The Army said operations are underway to catch the perpetrators.
In an initial statement, the Army said the five personnel were killed after their vehicle caught fire, adding further details are being ascertained.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolence with brave hearts.
“Anguished by the tragedy in Poonch District (J&K), where the Indian Army has lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” defence minister tweets.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed anguish over the loss of lives.
“I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives of brave Army personnel in a tragic incident at Poonch. Their rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” LG Sinha tweeted.
