Leh/Jammu: Two soldiers lost their lives while undertaking critical repair of military equipment in Ladakh on Thursday, the Indian Army said. The deceased have been identified as CFN Sankara Rao Gottapu and HAV Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat.
"On 11 July 2024, around 1000 hr while undertaking critical repair of military equipment, Cfn Sankara Rao Gottapu sustained fatal injuries due to an accidental component burst. HAV Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat, too sustained grievous injuries and was air evacuated for further treatment to Leh. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries in the evening," Fire and Fury Corps, Indian Army posted on X. Bhat hailed from Sahoo area of Devsar in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
On 11 Jul 2024, around 1000 hr while undertaking critical repair of military equipment, Cfn Sankara Rao Gottapu sustained fatal injuries due to an accidental component burst. Hav Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat, too sustained grievous injuries and was air evacuated for further treatment… pic.twitter.com/A7EHDge1Oo
— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) July 11, 2024
The Indian Army said that it regrets the loss of the brave soldier deployed in Ladakh. "GOC Fire and Fury Corps and All Ranks salute the Bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice, in the line of duty in Ladakh on 11 July 24 and offer deep condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief," the Army spokesperson added.
The accident comes days after bodies of three soldiers were recovered nine months after they were buried under an avalanche in Ladakh in October last year. The Army also suffered five fatal casualties on July 8 in an ambush by terrorists in Machedi forest area of Katha district of Jammu and Kashmir. A massive search operation is underway in multiple districts of Jammu region to neutralise the militants.
The government has also deployed CISF along the Amarnath Yatra route in Udhampur. Since June 9, there have been terror strikes at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda in which nine pilgrims and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan were killed. A civilian and at least seven security personnel were also injured. (With ANI inputs)
