Patiala soldier killed in Pulwama encounter
SRINAGAR/PATIALA: A soldier and a militant were killed during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday, officials said.
Two security personnel also sustained injuries during the gunfight, they said.
The fallen soldier has been identified as Naik Rajwinder Singh, 29, of Dodra village in Samana subdivision of Patiala.
The joint search operation was launched by the army, police and the CRPF in the morning at Pulwama’s Gusoo village after receiving specific information on the presence of militants in the area. However, the operation turned into an encounter after an exchange of fire between the militants and security forces.
A pall of gloom descended on Dodra village after the family came to know about Rajwinder’s death. “He was the sole breadwinner of the family. He had called me up on Monday and enquired about preparations regarding construction of the new house. He was to visit us on
July 18,” said the slain soldier’s father. Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the family of Naik Rajwinder Singh. He also promised a government job for a family member.
In past six months, 118 militants have been killed in various encounters in Jammu and Kashmir.
As compared to last year, the local recruitment has witnessed nearly 50% decline.
PUNJAB CM ANNOUNCES RS 50 LAKH RELIEF, GOVT JOB TO A FAMILY MEMBER OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER