Tributes paid to two soldiers killed in Kokernag

The Army on Saturday paid solemn tributes to two soldiers who lost their lives while battling harsh weather conditions during a counter-terror operation in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in South Kashmir.

The two soldiers, identified as Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh, were part of the Army’s elite Para Special Forces. They went missing earlier this week during a search operation in the high-altitude Gadool forests of the Kishtwar Range in Kokernag, prompting an intensive search effort by security forces.

Their bodies, along with their service weapons, were recovered during the operation, with preliminary reports indicating that the soldiers may have succumbed to hypothermia due to extreme weather conditions in the dense forest terrain.

In a statement, the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps paid homage to the fallen soldiers, honouring their courage and sacrifice. “We honour the supreme sacrifice of Bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh while conducting relentless counter-terror operations in the Kishtwar Range of Kokernag battling extreme weather conditions.

“Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. Chinar Warriors salute their valour and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families,” the statement read.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid tributes, visiting the Chinar Corps Headquarters at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, where he laid floral wreaths on the coffins of the fallen soldiers.

“I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh. The nation shall remain forever grateful for their exemplary valour and selfless service. We stand in solidarity with the families of our martyrs in this hour of grief,” the L-G said in an official statement.