Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday laid wreaths and paid solemn tributes to the two Army personnel who lost their lives in the ongoing anti-terror operation in Kulgam. The wreath-laying ceremony was held with full military honours at the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.
Expressing deep sorrow, Omar Abdullah said the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of the soldiers in the face of adversity would be remembered by the nation with utmost respect and pride. “Their courage and service to the nation will never be forgotten. They laid down their lives protecting the sovereignty and integrity of our country,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the martyrs’ families, ensuring that their sacrifices are honoured not just in words but through tangible support.
The two soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) from the elite 10 PARA unit, were critically injured during a fierce gunbattle in the Guddar forest area of Kulgam district. Despite being evacuated promptly, they later succumbed to their injuries.
The operation, launched after specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the forested area, is still underway. One terrorist has been neutralized so far, and security forces continue combing operations to rule out the presence of more militants. Heavy reinforcements, including drone surveillance and sniffer dogs, have been deployed to assist in the mission.
This marks the second major encounter in the same forest belt this year, underlining the continued security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in from across the country, lauding the sacrifices made by the soldiers in the line of duty.
