Among the three soldiers martyred in an ambush by terrorists on Thursday in the Shopian area, Lance Naik Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather was a local Kashmiri jawan.
Incidentally, he belonged to village Punchpora in South Kashmir near the place of ambush where he lost his life. He leaves behind his wife and a minor son.
The other martyr has been identified as Sapper Sreejith MJ of village Paruthipully in Palakkad district of Kerala. He is survived by his mother.
Sepoy Vikas Singh Gurjar, another martyer, belonged to village Andhyakhara in district Karouli in Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife.
Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti condemned the death of the army personnel and said that violence can be never be used to address issues.
She further said that the unending cycle of violence in the state has brought untold miseries to the people and collective efforts are needed to get the state out of the morass of death and destruction.
She also expressed deep grief and anguish over the death of a civilian in the incident.
The incident took place in the early morning hours, and the Hizbul Mujahideen men are said to be involved in the attack.