Three soldiers including a Junior Commissioned Officer were killed after they slipped into a deep gorge near Line of Control in Machil sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, Army said on Wednesday.
They said the incident took place last evening in a forward area during a regular operational task.
“A routine operational task was undertaken on January 10, at about 5:30 pm in the Sector, along a narrow winter track. While moving towards the forward post, snow along the narrow track broke, leading to slipping of one JCO and two Jawaans into a deep gorge,” a statement issued by the Army said.
Immediately a search and rescue operation was launched with troops from the nearest post.
“Inspite of adverse weather condition and rough terrain, sustained efforts of the search party led to the recovery of mortal remains of the three brave soldiers today morning between 4:15 to 4:45 am,” the statement added.
The three slain have been identified Naib Subedar Parshotam Kumar, 43, Havaldar Amrik Singh, 39 and Amit Sharma, 23.
Kumar a resident of village Majua Uttami, Bishnah Jammu in J&K had joined Army in 1996. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Hav Singh had joined Army in 2001. He belonged to Village Mandwara, Una in Himachal Pradesh. He is survived by his wife and one son.
Amit Sharma had joined Army in 2019. He belonged to Village Talasi Khurd, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. The braveheart is survived by his mother.
The mortal remains of the three bravehearts will be taken for last rites to their respective native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours,” Army said. “In this hour of grief, the Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing.”
This is second tragedy in Machil sector in last two months.
In November last year a massive snow slide hit a patrol party in Machil leading to the three Army casualties.
