Combing ops on in Tangdhar

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 28

The combing and search operation continued for the second consecutive in the Tangdhar sector in Kupwara today where a soldier was killed and another jawan was injured in a gunfight while foiling an infiltration bid.

Defence sources said there was also an exchange of fire late on Thursday when the Army was carrying out a search in the forest area close to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tangdhar sector, some 140 km from Srinagar.

“There was, however, no fresh contact with the militants today and the combing operation is still underway,” an Armyofficial said.

The infiltration bid was foiled in Tangdhar on Thursday, when the Army intercepted a group by heavily armed militants along the LoC. Rifleman Sandeep Singh Rawat was killed in the gunfight.

Meanwhile, the Army today paid homage to Rawat.

Defence spokesman said the rifleman was part of a team that had intercepted and engaged a group of infiltrating militants along the LoC.

“In very short span of service of just one year, Rawat, a proficient boxer, had won over his superiors and peers alike by his soldierly attributes, youthful energy and an ever-smiling disposition,” he said.

He is survived by his parents. The body of the slain soldier will be taken to his native place, Dehradun, where the last rites will be performed tomorrow with full military honours.