LG, CM pay tribute to soldiers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 9: Two soldiers of Army were martyred and two others injured in an ongoing encounter with terrorists in Akhal forests of Kulgam today as the operation entered its ninth day.
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An official said that the soldiers lost their lives during a heavy exchange of fire late Friday night in the forest area, where terrorists remain holed up. “Terrorists hurled a grenade at forces, resulting in the death of two soldiers and injuries to two more,” he said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating: “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”
The official said loud explosions and heavy gunfire echoed the forest area throughout the night. Security forces are deploying drones, UAVs, helicopters, and other surveillance equipment to track terrorists believed to be hiding in the forest area. Explosives have also been dropped on suspected hideouts.
The operation began on August 1 after specific intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Akhal forest area. So far, one terrorist has been killed and 11 security personnel were injured since the start of the operation.
Following the initial exchange of fire on August 1, reinforcements were rushed in. The next day, a terrorist was killed, and the encounter has continued since.
Senior police and Army officers, including J&K Police chief Nalin Prabhat and Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are closely monitoring the situation.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while paying tribute to the fallen soldiers said: “I salute the indomitable courage of our brave hearts L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. Their valour, grit, and determination will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laid a wreath and paid rich tribute to the fallen soldiers in Kulgam, calling their sacrifice a source of pride for the nation. “The sacrifices of these valiant soldiers will always be remembered. The government stands firmly with the armed forces and their families,” he said.
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