Three army jawans die after slipping into deep gorge in J&K’s Kupwara

The three deceased jawans were identified as Naib Subedar Parshotam Kumar, Havildar Amrik Singh and Sepoy Amit Sharma

A junior commissioned officer (JCO) was among the three Indian Army jawans who died early Wednesday after they slipped into a deep gorge in the Machil sector of the frontier district in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara amid heavy snowfall in the area, army officials said.

Naib Subedar Parshotam Kumar, one of the jawans died today in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara after falling into a gorge (ANI Photo)

The three deceased jawans were identified as Naib Subedar Parshotam Kumar, Havildar Amrik Singh and Sepoy Amit Sharma.

“While moving towards the forward post, snow along the narrow track broke due to which the three jawans slipped and fell into a deep gorge,” said public relations officer Col Emrin Musavi, adding a search and rescue operation was immediately launched with troops from the nearest post but could not rescue them alive.

Musavi said that despite adverse weather conditions and rough terrain, sustained efforts of the search party led to the recovery of mortal remains of the three brave soldiers on Wednesday morning.

“The mortal remains of the three Bravehearts will be taken for last rites to their respective native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours,” Musavi said.

“In this hour of grief, the Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families,” he added.

Late Nb Sub Parshotam Kumar, 43, survived by his wife and two children, joined the army in 1996. He belonged to Majua Uttami village in Jammu and Kashmir.

Late Hav Amrik Singh, 39, survived by his wife and one son, joined the army in 2001. He belonged to Mandwara village, Una in Himachal Pradesh.

Late Amit Sharma, 23, survived by his mother, joined the army in 2019. He belonged to Talasi Khurd village, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh.

Snowfall continues in higher reaches:

Kashmir valley witnessed rains in the plains, including in Srinagar, while there was heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, according to the state’s meteorological department.

Sonam Lotus, meteorological department director, Jammu and Kashmir, said that heavy snowfall was witnessed in Sonmarg, Gulmarg and other higher reaches of Kashmir.

There will be a gradual increase in the intensity and distribution of snow/ rain as the day progresses, he said.

“From Jan 14-17, the weather is expected to be mainly dry,” he added.