J&K: Three soldiers martyred in Kupwara

Three soldiers who were a part of a patrol party near the LoC in Machhal sector in J&K’s Kupwara sacrificed their lives in the line of duty according to the defence officials.

The officials claim that on the night of November 17–18, a normal link patrol was conducted in the Machhal area. Gunner Souvik Hazra reported respiratory issues while on patrol. Following a preliminary evaluation, it was decided to transport him to the closest post. The patrol party’s tail was buried by a huge snow slide while they were moving to the closest station.

As soon as possible, a search and rescue operation was started, and troops from the closest garrison were also dispatched to help. The medical condition of Gunner Souvik Hazra, who was diagnosed with hypothermia, reportedly began to deteriorate in the meantime, according to defence officials. At around 10.30 AM, an air evacuation request was made, and he was transported to 168 MH, Kupwara. The braveheart later succumbed to his medical condition at the Military Hospital.

Lance Naik Mukesh Kumar was found by the search crew near the location of the snow avalanche. He was transferred to an adjacent station before being evacuated to 168 MH, Kupwara, by chopper at around 2.30 PM. However, the courageous man passed away at the military hospital due to his illness. However, Naik Gaikwad Manoj Laxman Rao was still presumed dead.

In the meantime, Z Gali’s Avalanche rescue dog and specialised rescue crew were airlifted and deployed right away to find the missing person. Naik Gaikwad Manoj Laxman Rao was found at roughly 4.30 PM after a protracted search, and he was airlifted to 168 MH in Kupwara. Additionally, the courageous man could not be resurrected and passed away due to his illness.

As per the information provided by the defence officials, Late Naik Gaikwad Manoj Laxman Rao who was from Maharashtra was forty-one years old and he joined the Army in 2002.

Lance Naik Mukesh Kumar was twenty-two years old and joined Army in 2018. He belonged to Rajasthan.

Gunner Souvik Hazra belonged to West Bengal and was twenty-two years old. He joined Army in 2019.