Belagavi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in a road accident in Jammu and Kashmir during a ceremony held at the War Memorial in Belagavi on December 26. He honored Subedar Dayanand Tirukannavar and Mahesh Marigond by offering floral tributes and expressed condolences to the families of the four soldiers, stating, “The lives and careers of soldiers are of the highest honour. It is deeply saddening that soldiers from our state have been martyred in an accident. I pray for the peace of the souls of the four soldiers and share in the grief of their families.” The CM pledged government support to the families of the fallen soldiers.
The deceased, which included Dayanand Tirukannavar from Belagavi, Dhanraj Subhash from Chikkodi, Mahesh Nagappa from Bagalkot, and Anoop Poojari from Kundapura, died when a vehicle belonging to the Indian Army fell into a gorge near Poonch. The vehicle was en route from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post when it met with the accident, plunging approximately 300-350 feet down. Five soldiers died instantly, while five others sustained severe injuries and were transferred to a hospital, with some reportedly in critical condition.
The White Knight Corps of the Army extended their condolences for the loss of the soldiers, emphasizing that they stand with the bereaved families during this tragic time. The Northern Command chief also expressed deep sympathy and noted that rescue operations are ongoing, with the injured receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, the Army has heightened its surveillance along the Line of Control due to intelligence indicating potential terrorist infiltration attempts before heavy snowfall limits access to mountain passes.