Poonch Road Accident: Army Chief, J&K CM Condole Deaths of Five Soldiers
Jammu : A tragic road accident near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has claimed the lives of five soldiers. The accident occurred on Tuesday night when an Army vehicle, carrying personnel from the 11 Maratha Light Infantry, skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in the Balnoi area, which is near a forward post along the LoC. The soldiers were on operational duty at the time of the incident.
The Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah also offered their condolences and conveyed their support to the bereaved families.
Details of the Poonch Accident
The road accident occurred in the Mendhar sub-division of Poonch, a sensitive area near the LoC, late on Tuesday evening. The Army vehicle, which was ferrying soldiers of the 11 Maratha Light Infantry, lost control while negotiating a turn on a difficult, hilly road. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in the immediate death of five soldiers and leaving others critically injured.
According to a statement from the Indian Army’s Defence Spokesperson, the soldiers who perished in the accident have been identified as:
- Subedar Dayanand Tirakannavar
- Lance Havildar Anoop
- Naik Ghadge Shubham Samadhan
- Sepoy Nikure Digamber
- Sep Mahesh Marigond
While the tragedy has deeply affected the Indian Army, the defense spokesperson confirmed that there was no terrorist involvement in the incident. The preliminary investigation suggests that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn on the mountainous road, which led to the accident.
The Army confirmed that the injured soldiers were swiftly evacuated and rushed to the nearest medical facility for treatment. However, the loss of life has left the Indian Army and the entire nation in mourning.
Indian Army Expresses Grief and Solidarity
The Indian Army, in its official statement on social media, expressed profound grief over the loss of its soldiers. The Army acknowledged the bravery and dedication of those who died while on operational duty and extended its deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. The statement read:
“General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army express profound grief on the loss of Subedar Dayanand Tirakannavar, Lance Havildar Anoop, Naik Ghadge Shubham Samadhan, Sepoy Nikure Digamber, and Sep Mahesh Marigond in a tragic and unfortunate road accident while on operational duty in Poonch, J&K. The Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
This statement was shared via the Indian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, showing solidarity with the families of the deceased soldiers and emphasizing the Army’s commitment to supporting them through this painful time.
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy express profound grief on the loss of Subedar Dayanand Tirakannavar, Lance Havildar Anoop, Naik Ghadge Shubham Samadhan, Sepoy Nikure Digamber and Sep Mahesh Marigond in a tragic and unfortunate road accident, while on… https://t.co/feYgW2Lf5B pic.twitter.com/Ij1umNAPHW
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 25, 2024
Jammu and Kashmir Leadership Condoles Tragedy
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. Omar Abdullah, who has consistently shown empathy for military personnel and their families, praised the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who died in the line of duty. He offered prayers for the families and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“The tragic loss of these brave soldiers in Poonch is a heart-wrenching incident. I convey my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. May they find strength in this difficult time,” said Omar Abdullah on social media.
Farooq Abdullah, a veteran political leader in J&K, also conveyed his deep sorrow, stressing that the soldiers who died were performing their duties in one of the most challenging and dangerous areas of the country.
Understanding the Area and the Risks Involved
The Poonch district, located in the border region of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions, making travel and operational duties particularly hazardous. The region is prone to landslides, sharp curves, and poorly maintained roads that increase the risk of accidents. The Balnoi area, where this accident occurred, is close to a forward post along the Line of Control (LoC), where Army personnel often face difficult operational conditions while safeguarding the national borders.
The accident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by military personnel in such sensitive areas, where the risks are not only from external threats but also from the natural environment. While the Indian Army is well-equipped for such challenges, accidents like this remind us of the inherent risks associated with military duties.
Conclusion: A Nation Mourns
The tragic deaths of these five soldiers serve as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Army in maintaining the security and integrity of the nation. As the nation mourns the loss of these brave men, the leadership in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the Indian Army, has united in grief and support for the families of the fallen soldiers.
The accident has sparked renewed discussions about the safety and welfare of military personnel, especially those stationed in difficult and remote areas. While the Indian Army is known for its resilience and commitment, incidents like these underscore the dangers that soldiers face every day while serving on the front lines of national defense.
The Indian Army has vowed to continue providing support to the families of the deceased, ensuring that their sacrifice is remembered with honor. In the coming days, investigations will continue to determine the exact cause of the accident and to ensure that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.