As an Indian Army vehicle skidded off a mountain gorge in the Rajouri district of the Indian-Occupied Kashmir region, two soldiers were killed and two injured.
In a tragic accident, two Indian Army para commandos lost their lives while two others suffered grievous injuries when their armoured vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening. This accident left the nation mourning the loss of brave soldiers and brought attention to the treacherous road conditions in the region.
The Tragic Accident in Manjakot
An incident came to be reported from the Manjakot area of Rajouri in the Jammu division, wherein the army personnel, who were proceeding for their camp in an armoured vehicle designed to withstand hostile attacks, jumped off the road and fell 300 feet into a deep gorge. The vehicle, despite its robust design, had been totally wrecked by the impact of the fall.
The para commandos reportedly involved in the accident were identified as Anil Darwante and Janardan Naidu, who lost their lives in the crash. Baljeet Singh and Vimal Singh, both are reportedly soldiers, who are said to be under serious treatment due to severe injuries; and they were initially moved to the Army’s 150 General Hospital in Rajouri. These soldiers have been airlifted to the Army Command Hospital in Udhampur on an air ambulance due to their critical condition, where they are being treated under specialty care.
Immediate Rescue Operations and Recovery
Within minutes of the news of the accident reaching the military authorities and local police, a joint rescue effort would be initiated. The army personnel along with the police somehow made it to the accident spot, and then started the stony task of rescuing the soldiers from the gorge. Steep and rough terrain was in fact an obstacle for the rescue teams, but luckily all four para commandos were pulled out of the wreckage.
Still, injuries to Anil Darwante and Janardan Naidu were of a very serious nature, and both died at the military hospital upon their arrival. The condition of Baljeet Singh and Vimal Singh remains precarious, while medical teams work day and night fervently to save lives.
The Vehicle: Built for Wars, Not Accidents
The vehicle that met its accident was actually a newly introduced model in the Indian Army fleet. It had been inducted into service for bringing in a check on growing terrorist activities in the Rajouri-Poonch area. The much-hyped vehicle could withstand bullets, grenades and IEDs but had not been built to survive a fall of this proportion.
The terrain around Rajouri is notorious for the hilly and treacherous roads, which become even more treacherous and insecure during the monsoon months when the rain increases the difficulties multiple times. The armored vehicle provided better safeguard than any other while driving through combat zones, but it had no answer for the steep plunge off the edge of the gorge-from which it fell, thus bringing home yet another hazard that men in uniform face while not under the direct threat of an enemy’s fire.
Increasing Worry Over Road Safety in Jammu and Kashmir
This is not the first road accident in the region involving military personnel. Not so long ago on Friday, in Doda district, a truck veered off the road and plunged into a ditch, killing the driver and his assistant. Road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir have been growing ominously, especially during the monsoon season when landslides, slippery roads, and poor visibility pose major hazards.
Local administrative and defense authorities have appealed to the public in general and service members in particular to tread very cautiously while traveling by road on the insecure roads that traverse this region. Considering the rains that have been on for a long period and the possibility of landslides, the authorities have advised slowing down on the routes and not taking roads as a priority when it is not absolutely essential.
Tributes and Condolences for the Soldiers
The entire nation is crying over the loss of these gallant soldiers due to the accident. Political leaders, high-ranking military officers, and citizens greeted the families of fallen soldiers by extending their deep condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express sorrow on the loss and wished injured soldiers regain health soon.
He mentioned in his message, “The nation salutes the families of our valiant soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their gallantry and patriotism shall inspire none to be forgotten ever.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared his condolences and described the incident as a tragic loss while realizing how risky the army personnel are even when outside of operation.
Investigation by the Armed Forces and Safety Measures on Roads
The Indian Army has conducted an internal probe, which will reveal the actual cause of the crash. Though initial reports indicate that weather was certainly a bad cause for the mishap, where there are chances the vehicle may have skidded off the road, officials are looking into mechanical failure or any other contributing factors.
The Army is also amending its transport and road safety measures within the region as accidents involving military vehicles kept on recurring. Since military movement is impossible during inappropriate weather, the military officials are considering several opportunities that may make movement by vehicle safer, such as efficient training of drivers, proper maintenance of vehicles, and construction of proper roads in the areas which are prone to frequent accidents.
A Nation in Mourning
The death of para commandos Anil Darwante and Janardan Naidu, who lost their lives while the state was celebrating victory, is a poignant reminder of the perils that military personnel face serving the nation, on as well as off the battlefields. Their sacrifice, along with the bravery of those injured in the accident, will not be forgotten.
And as the investigation continues and the families of the two fallen soldiers continue their bereavement, so will the rest of the country, since the memory of such courageous individuals will be honored through not only their fight against terrorists but also by accepting to serve in the most difficult conditions.
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