Mortal remains of the three Army soldiers martyred in the encounter with Pakistani terrorists in Kupwara were on Thursday flown to their native places for last rites. These soldiers belonged to Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and J-K.

Army and the police paid befitting tributes to five of their comrades who attained martyrdom during the counter-terrorist operations in Kupwara district of Kashmir on Wednesday in which five terrorists were eliminated.

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In a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonement at Srinagar, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks, paid homage to the martyrs on behalf of a proud nation.

In a show of solidarity, representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the martyrs. Martyr Havildar Jorabar Singh, Naik Ranjeet Khalkho and Naik Mohammad Ashraf Rather sustained bullet injuries during the fierce operation in Chack Fatheh Khan Forest in Halmatpora of Kupwara district.

They were provided immediate first-aid and evacuated to hospital but succumbed to their injuries. Martyr Jorabar Singh, 45, had joined the army in 1993 and hailed from Rait village in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Coming from Dudhakhuti village in Ranchi, Jharkhand, martyr Ranjeet Khalkho, 33, had joined the army in 2001. He is survived by his parents, a brother and three sisters.

Martyr Ashraf Rather, 35, had joined the army in 2004. He belonged to Reshigund village of Kralpora in Jammu and Kashmir and is survived by his wife and a daughter.

The mortal remains of the martyrs were flown to their native places for last rites with full military honours.

“In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs and remains committed to their dignity and well being,” said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, spokesman of the army.

Rich tributes were paid to SOG constable Deepak Thusso at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Srinagar police lines.  Inspector General of Police SP Pani led the police and security forces in laying the floral tributes on his mortal remains.
IG CRPF Zulfkar Hassan, DIG  (Central Kashmir Range) VK Birdi, DIG SSB R K Bhumal, SSP Srinagar Imtiyaz Ismail and other officers of police and security forces and Jawans were present at the ceremony.