What Happened in J&K That Led to 10 Soldiers Losing Their Lives?
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Key Takeaways
Jammu, Jan 22 (NationPress) Tragically, at least 10 soldiers lost their lives, with another 10 injured, in a road mishap in J&K’s Doda district on Thursday while en route to a high-altitude post, according to officials.
The incident transpired when an army vehicle veered out of the driver’s control and plunged into a steep gorge in Doda.
"The accident unfolded on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road at Khanni Top. The bulletproof army vehicle was transporting approximately 20 personnel when its driver lost command, causing it to drop nearly 200 ft into a gorge," an official stated.
"The vehicle was on its way to a high-altitude post at the time of the accident."
"A collaborative rescue operation involving the army and police was swiftly initiated, resulting in the recovery of four soldiers who were confirmed dead at the scene. The injured were airlifted to the army’s Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur for medical care," the official added.
Tragically, some of the injured personnel later succumbed to their injuries either en route or while at the hospital.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow over the incident.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of 10 brave Indian Army soldiers in this unfortunate road accident in Doda. Their remarkable service and ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families," stated the Office of the LG on X.
"In this moment of deep sorrow, the nation unites with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. The 10 injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital, and I have directed senior officials to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. I am praying for their swift recovery," it further stated.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his heartfelt grief.
"The Chief Minister has conveyed deep condolences regarding the tragic accident involving an army vehicle at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. He expresses sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers and wishes a quick recovery for those injured, commending the rapid rescue and evacuation efforts," mentioned the Office of the Chief Minister on its X handle.
The Indian Army operates in some of the most challenging weather and terrain conditions while safeguarding the nation’s borders.
In addition to the world’s highest battlefield at the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh, soldiers are stationed along the line of control (LoC) in J&K.
The LoC stretches for 740 km and runs through the Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts of the Kashmir Valley, as well as parts of Poonch, Rajouri, and the Jammu district.
Army personnel are stationed along the LoC to prevent infiltration, cross-border smuggling, and drone activities initiated from across the LoC in Pakistan. Drones are utilized by adversaries to drop arms, ammunition, cash, and drugs, sustaining terrorism in the UT.
Payloads from these drones are collected by overground workers (OGWs) associated with terror outfits and subsequently employed to perpetuate terrorist activities.