Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 28: Army today said that its 53 Road Construction Company under project Beacon in an inspiring engineering effort has constructed a 74m steel super structure bridge and it has been dedicated to senior officer who laid down his life three years ago while fighting militants in Uri area of Baramulla district.
A defence spokesman said that the bridge will facilitate communication of 50,000 residents belonging to border villages of Gingal, Dora Jattlian,Danisaidan, Choolan, Zamboor Pattan, Dawaran and Paran Pittan. “The villagers who reside along the Northern bank of the River Jhelum will be greatly benefitted by the construction as it also meets their long standing demand,” he said.
The spokesman said that the army dedicated this bridge to the sacrifice of Late Lt Col Sankalp Kumar who had laid down his life while eliminating a group of six militants at Mohura Army Camp on December 2014. For his act of valour and exemplary fortitude in the face of militant fire, Late Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar was awarded with Shaurya Chakra posthumously.
“In the ceremony, marked by traditional military austerity, the bridge was inaugurated today by Dr (Mrs) Priya Sankalp, the wife of Late Lt Col Sankalp Kumar. Sushma Shukla, mother of the martyred officer graced the occasion. The ceremony was also attended by GOC 15 Corps Lt General JS Sandhu and GOC Dagger Division Major General RP Kalita amidst numerous other civilian dignitaries and officials of Project Beacon,” the spokesman said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Corps Commander remembered the valour of the officer and said that his is a sterling example of selfless service beyond the call of duty who would continue to inspire the present generation and posterity. He added that this bridge also represents Army’s commitment to the aspirations of the people and hoped that it would reduce their hardships.
The bridge which will be known as the ‘Sankalp Bridge’ positions itself proudly over the Jhelum River and will symbolise the connect between the army and public, the defence spokesman added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
