Baramulla attack cowardly, aimed at disrupting peace, stability in Kashmir: Army

Srinagar, Oct 25: The army Friday said that the attack on its column at Bothapathri, Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district was a “cowardly” attempt aimed at disrupting peace and stability in Kashmir.
Defence spokesman in Srinagar said that Pakistani terrorists, with a view to disrupt peace and stability in Kashmir, cowardly targeted an Army column in general area Butapathri, Baramulla which was ferrying soldiers and local porters.
“On being fired upon, the alert troops swiftly and resolutely retaliated the fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat leaving behind a weapon and rucksack and escaped into dense foliage, exploiting a nala and fading light. Regrettably, two brave soldiers, one from Anantnag district and other from Sirsa District, succumbed to the injuries sustained during exchange of fire, thereby making the supreme sacrifice,” the statement said, adding that “Army salutes the bravery of Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and Rifleman Jeevan Singh, who despite being hit responded and forced the terrorists to flee, before laying down their lives in this cowardly terrorist attack.”
The defence spokesman said that actions by these brave soldiers prevented the terrorists from causing any further damage and demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to safeguard the National Security and counter inimical agenda of Pakistan abetting terrorism in Kashmir. “Their selfless act is a testament to the Indian Army’s resolve to safeguard our Nation and the Citizens,” he said.
The defence spokesman further said that alongside the brave soldiers, two Kashmiri porters Zahoor Ahmad Mir resident of Boniyar Tehsil and Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary resident of Uri Tehsil also made the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the Nation. “It is evident that Pakistani terrorists are, deliberately and unregretfully, targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke the fear and terror in Valley, which is progressing towards peace and stability. The only ideology these terrorists espouse is of The Reign of Terror in Valley,” the spokesman said.
He said that Army pays tributes to these brave soldiers and porters, who laid down their lives while serving the Nation and extend heartfelt condolences to their families. ‘Indian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our citizens and will resolutely achieve its efforts to combat terrorism and promote harmony in Kashmir Valley. The sacrifices of these brave Kashmiris and Indian Army Soldiers will inspire the future generations to stand against the perpetrators of terror,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid wreath and paid homage to Rfn Jeevan Singh, Rfn Kaisar Ahmad Shah, and Defence Porters Mushtaq Ahmad Chowdary and Zahoor Ahmad Mir, who laid down their lives for the nation.
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: “Paid homage to the brave soldiers and Defence Porters who made the supreme sacrifice in the service to the nation in Butapathri Sector on October 24, 2024. India will never forget their selfless service & their supreme sacrifice. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also wrote on X that “Very unfortunate news about the attack on the army vehicles in the Boota Pathri area of North Kashmir which has resulted in some casualties & injuries. This recent spate of attacks in Kashmir is a matter of serious concern. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms & send my condolences to the loved ones of the people who lost their lives. I also pray that the injured make a complete & swift recovery.”
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also stated on X that “shocked & deeply saddened by the militant attack on an army convoy in Baramulla in which a civilian porter has been killed. Condemn it unequivocally & pray for the swift recovery of the injured soldiers.”