Soldier killed in Pak shelling along LoC in J&K’s Poonch

JAMMU: A soldier was killed in Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, officials said.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand said, “At about 0230 hours (2.30 AM) on Friday, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC in Krishna Ghati (KG) sector of Poonch district. Indian Army retaliated befittingly. During the ceasefire violation, a soldier was martyred.”

The slain soldier has been identified as sepoy Rahul Bhairu Sulagekar.

Lt Col Anand said, “On the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, Pak Army violated ceasefire accompanied by suspiMedical

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At 2.30am on Friday, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC in Poonch district. Indian Army retaliated befittingly. A soldier was martyred. LT COL DEVENDER ANAND, Defence spokesperson

cious movement of Pak Army abetted terrorists in Krishna Ghati Sector. Observing suspicious movement, effective engagement of terrorists and Pak posts was carried out by our alert troops.”

“In the ensuing exchange of fire, Sepoy Rahul Bhairu Sulagekar sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to nearest Aid Centre wherein he was provided medical aid and resuscitation. However, Sepoy Rahul Bhairu Sulagekar succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom,” he added.

Sulagekar, 21, hailed from Belgavi, Karnataka and is survived by his mother Geeta.

“He was a brave, highly motivated and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” said Col Anand.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan again opened heavy fire in Krishna Ghati sector on Friday morning.

“After early morning ceasefire violation, again at about 1145 hours (11.45 am) Pakistan initiated small arms firing and shelling with mortars in Krishna Ghati sector. Indian Army is retaliating befittingly,” he added.