Major tragedy averted; IED detected, defused in Srinagar

Srinagar: Security forces on Saturday averted a major tragedy by detecting and defusing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the summer capital, Srinagar.

Official sources said that an IED was detected near Government quarters, which is just a stone's throw away from Chanapora police post in uptown Srinagar on Saturday.

'A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately called,' they said, adding that the IED, which was placed inside a box, was later defused without causing any damage or loss to life.

They said the area has been cordoned off and investigation has been initiated to identity and nab the militants responsible for planting the IED.

Army pays tribute to soldier who drowned during patrolling in Shopian

Army on Saturday paid rich tribute to a soldier, who drowned after slipping from a bridge into a river during patrolling in south Kashmir district of Shopian on Friday.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt Col Emron Musavi said Sepoy Arun Singh, who attained martyrdom on Friday in Shopain, was paid a befitting tribute by the Army in a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment.

“Maj Gen Anupam Bhagi, Officiating Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldier on behalf of the proud nation,” he said.

He said Sepoy Singh was on an area domination patrol from Sedhau to Tangimarg, where at 1230 hrs, he slipped and fell into river Vishwa while crossing a wooden bridge at Ada.

“The soldier was swept downstream due to the fast current of the river before he was finally pulled out by own soldiers and civilians. He was immediately evacuated to Government Hospital, Mazgam where he was declared dead at 1715 hrs,” he said.

He said the 26-year-old soldier had joined the Army in 2016 and belonged to village Gho Mangni of Pathankot Tehsil, Pathankot District in Punjab. “He is survived by his father and mother,” Lt Col Musavi said.

He said the mortal remains of the soldier have been sent for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours. “In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing,” he added.(UNI)