Naik dies in Pak firing at Rajouri

Our Corrspondent

Rajouri, August 23

Naik Rajib Thapa (34) of Gorkha Battalion has become second soldier to attain martyrdom within a week while guarding LoC in Kalsian (Nowshera) sector in Rajouri district in the morning today.

On August 17 Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa (35), resident of Dehradun, had attained martyrdom in Pakistani shelling in the same area.

Naik Rajib Thapa was resident of Mechpara village in West Bengal and is survived by his wife Khusbu Mangar Thapa.

Since July 1, five Indian soldiers had attained martyrdom on the LoC.

Martyr Rajib Thapa was guarding a forward post when he was hit on the head by the Pakistani snipers from their forward post at about 6 am.

“In the exchange of fire between both the armies Naik Rajib Thapa has attained martyrdom. Being a highly motivated and sincere soldier, the nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” said Lt Col Davender Anad, PRO, Defence.

In the effective and strong retaliation by the Indian Army, heavy damage to Pakistan army posts and causalities to Pakistani soldiers could not be ruled out, he added.

On August 20, Naik Ranjak Kumar had attained martyrdom in Poonch district, while Naik Krishan Lal and Rifleman Mohammad Atif Shafi Pathan had attained martyrdom in the Sunderbani sector (Rajouri) on July 30 and 22, respectively.

“A contingent plan is already in force to meet any challenge. Local administration has sufficient stock of foodgrains, LPG, kerosene, etc. The demand for Critical Care Ambulance has already been placed with the higher authorities,” said SS Samyal, Additional DC, Nowshera.

Generals review  preparedness 

Lt-Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northeran Command, and Lt-Gen Paramjit Singh, GOC, White Night, have visited forward bases in Poonch and Rajouri to review the operational preparedness under the prevailing situation.