Jawan, hurt in Pak shelling, succumbs

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 24

A soldier, injured in Pakistani shelling last week, succumbed to his injuries today in a military hospital, taking the death toll due to recent ceasefire violations to 13.

The soldier, identified as Naik Jagadish, sustained grievous splinter injuries on January 20 during unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district. “The soldier was immediately evacuated and provided intensive medical care in military hospital. Despite all efforts, the gallant soldier succumbed to his injuries in the early hours today,” said defence spokesperson Col NN Joshi. Naik Jagadish (34), who belonged to Gandashu village in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is survived by his wife Usha Devi and two young children. “Naik Jagadish was a brave and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” spokesperson added. With the death of Naik Jagadish, the number of casualties of security forces personnel has reached six. Seven civilians have also died in Pakistani shelling since January 17.

Pakistan has violated the ceasefire agreement over 100 times this month.