Delhi, 8 th July
A very heartbreaking news is coming in from Almora, Uttarakhand about the supreme martyrdom of two brave soldiers of the Indian Army in Manipur, sending shock waves across the entire state. Unfortunately, many of our bravehearts continue to lay down their lives at a young age in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and in border areas while protecting our porous borders. Our sincere tributes and deepest condolences to the families.
In the latest incident, two sons of Uttarakhand were martyred in a deadly terrorist attack on a convoy of 40 Assam Rifles in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
The deceased have been identified as Warrant Officer (GD) Balwant Singh, a resident of Almora, and Havaldar (GD) Chandramohan Singh, a resident of Pauri Garhwal.
According to information, on Monday afternoon, personnel of 40 Assam Rifles were returning to the battalion headquarters at Shangshak after completing duty when terrorists lying in wait in the Mungshang Kong area of Ukhrul district opened indiscriminate fire with sophisticated weapons and triggered IED blasts. In the sudden and cowardly attack, Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havaldar Chandramohan Singh sustained grievous injuries.
Both soldiers were rushed to hospital for treatment, but despite all medical efforts they succumbed while defending the motherland. The news has cast a pall of grief across Uttarakhand.
As per administration officials, the mortal remains of both martyred soldiers are currently kept at the Assam Rifles camp in Shangshak. After the post-mortem process in Ukhrul is completed, their bodies will be sent on Wednesday to their native villages in Uttarakhand. The bodies are expected to reach their homes by Wednesday evening, and the last rites with full military honours will be performed on Thursday.
Immediately after the attack, the Army and other security agencies cordoned off the entire area and launched a massive search operation. There is no official confirmation yet of any attacker being killed or arrested. Security forces continue their operations to track down the terrorists.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam strongly condemned the terror attack and said such violent incidents affect efforts to maintain peace and harmony in the state. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and assured strict action against the culprits.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed profound grief over the supreme sacrifice of the two brave soldiers. He said the martyrdom of Assam Rifles personnel Balwant Singh and Chandramohan Singh from Uttarakhand while performing duty in Manipur is extremely saddening and heart-wrenching.
He added that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand will always be proud of the indomitable courage, sense of duty and service to the nation shown by its brave sons, and the nation will always remember their sacrifice.
The Chief Minister prayed to God for peace to the departed souls and for strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
