A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted on Friday to pay heartfelt tributes to ten brave soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a devastating road accident along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, according to official statements.
Ceremony Led by Senior Army Officials
The poignant ceremony was led by General Officer Commanding of the White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General P K Mishra, and witnessed the participation of senior officers from the Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), local police, and civil administration at the technical airport in Jammu.
Wreaths Laid on Behalf of Lt Governor
Officials confirmed that wreaths were respectfully laid at the mortal remains of the soldiers on behalf of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, underscoring the state's deep condolences. Inspector General of Police for the Jammu zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, and Inspector General of CRPF, Jammu, R Gopal Krishna Rao, also paid their respects by laying wreaths at the tricolour-draped coffins of the fallen heroes.
Details of the Fallen Soldiers
The mortal remains of the soldiers, identified as Monu from Bulandshehar-Hindom, Jobanjeet Singh from Roopnagar-Ambala, Mohit from Jhajjhar-Hindam, Shailendra Singh Bhadoriya from Morar-Gwalior, Samiran Singh from Jhargram-Kalaikonda, Pradumna Lohar from Purulia-Ranchi, Sudhir Narwal from Yamunagar-Ambala, Hare Ram Kumar from Bhojpur-Bihta, Ajay Lakra from Ranchi, and Rinkhil Baliyan from Hapur-Hindom, are being transported to their respective hometowns for the final rites, as per official reports.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The tragic accident occurred on Thursday when an armoured vehicle of the Army, carrying troops for an anti-terror operation, plunged into a deep gorge at the 9,000-foot-high Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. This unfortunate event resulted in the death of ten soldiers and left eleven others injured.
The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps described the incident as deeply unfortunate, noting that the vehicle slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain under challenging weather conditions. This highlights the inherent risks faced by security personnel in remote and hazardous areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
