A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted on Sunday in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, to pay tribute to the five brave soldiers who lost their lives in a cowardly terrorist ambush in the nearby Poonch district, as a massive search operation unfolds to apprehend the assailants.
Led by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the ceremony honored the sacrifice of Naik Birendder Singh, Naik Karan Kumar, Rifleman Gautam Kumar, and Rifleman Chandan Kumar. The military camp served as the poignant backdrop where the mortal remains of the soldiers were respectfully placed.
In attendance were General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri Amritpal Singh, and other dignitaries from the Army, who joined in paying floral tributes to the fallen heroes.
The soldiers fell victim to a terrorist ambush at Dhatyar Morh, situated between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in the Surankote area of Poonch on Thursday. The wreath-laying ceremony not only honored their bravery but also provided an opportunity for Lt Gen Dwivedi to interact with the families of the deceased soldiers.
Subsequently, the mortal remains of the soldiers were dispatched to their respective hometowns in Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
As the nation mourns the loss of these valiant soldiers, a massive search operation, now in its fourth day, is underway in the Surankote and nearby Thanamandi forest area of Rajouri. The operation, conducted jointly by the Army, police, and paramilitary forces, aims to locate and apprehend the terrorists responsible for the heinous ambush.
Despite relentless efforts, the terrorists remain elusive, with the search extending into natural caves within the forested terrain.
In response to the incident, mobile internet services have been suspended for the second consecutive day in the twin districts. This move follows the killing of three civilians, allegedly picked up by security forces for questioning in connection with the terror attack. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation and jobs for the families of the deceased civilians, initiating medico-legal formalities and legal action in the matter.
