NEW DELHI: Amid the festive air of Christmas celebrations at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India(CJI), DY Chandrachud, paused to honour and recognise the valour of the armed forces. He gave a tribute to the sacrifice of four Indian Army soldiers on Monday who bravely faced an ambush by terrorists in the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch region last week.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Chandrachud’s voice resonated with reverence, “We will give up everything, even if it comes to our lives as so many people in our Armed Forces do in the service of the nation. We lost four of our members of the Armed Forces two days ago (in the Poonch encounter).
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“So, as just we celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget about those who are at borders who are giving up their lives to protect our nation,” the CJI solemnly reminded.
Meanwhile, Army Chief General Manoj Pande was scheduled to visit the Rajouri sector, on Monday days after the four soldiers were killed. General Pande’s visit aimed to oversee the ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the region, a testament to the Army’s commitment to securing these volatile territories.
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The fallen heroes—Naik Birender Singh, Rifleman Gautam Kumar, Naik Karan Kumar, and Rifleman Chandan Kumar—were bid farewell with solemnity and respect during a wreath-laying ceremony in Rajouri, a poignant moment marking their ultimate sacrifice.
There is going to be a transition of command within the 16 Corps in the Poonch-Rajouri sectors as Lt Gen Sandeep Jain passed the mantle to Lt Gen Naveen Sachdev.
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In the aftermath, the Army initiated an inquiry into the tragic deaths of three civilians during the ambush. Through a statement on official channels, they affirmed, “Search operations by the security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of December 21. Reports have been received regarding three civilian deaths in the area. The matter is under investigation.”
Undeterred by adversity, the Army reaffirmed its dedication, pledging full cooperation and support in the investigative process.