Rajnath Singh, LG Sinha express grief, pay tributes to deceased soldiers
Jammu: Army on Thursday said that five soldiers were killed in first of its kind ‘ambush’ on a moving military vehicle by terrorists in Jammu’s Poonch district.
A massive hunt has been launched in the area to nab the attackers, defence sources said.
They said, “Around 3.00 pm, suspected terrorists laid an ambush and targeted a moving military truck, which was moving from Bhimber Gali to Sangiot, around 90 kilometers away from the district headquarters Poonch.”
“Terrorists managed to stop the truck by throwing grenades while another opened calibrated fire towards its fuel tank, triggering a massive blaze in the vehicle,” they added.
A defence source said, “Another group of terrorists also opened fire at on-board soldiers with intention to wound them, so that they were not able to move out of the vehicle.”
“One army vehicle, moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in the Rajouri sector was fired on by unidentified terrorists, taking advantage of heavy rains and low visibility in the area,” army’s Northern Command said in a statement, adding, “Five personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles Unit deployed for Counter Terrorist operations, in this area, have unfortunately lost their lives in the incident,” it said adding, that another solider is seriously injured who was evacuated immediately to the Army Hospital at Rajouri and is under treatment.
The Army statement further added that operations are in progress to locate the perpetrators. Further details are being ascertained.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolence with brave hearts.
“Anguished by the tragedy in Poonch District (J&K), where the Indian Army has lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” the Defence Minister tweeted.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed anguish over the loss of lives. “I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives of brave Army personnel in a tragic incident at Poonch. Their rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” LG Sinha tweeted. (KNO)
