Srinagar, Oct 27: A soldier injured in a gunfight with militant in Sultanpora forest area of Sheeri Chandoosa in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has succumbed to injuries, army said on Thursday.
“Based on the specific intelligence of presence of Pakistani (militant) in (area), a joint cordon & search operation by Indian Army and JKP was launched at about 05.00 AM on October 26,” a defence ministry spokesperson based in Srinagar said in a statement.
“As the search commenced in the morning and while the search party was moving towards the jungle, the (militant) opened fire on the search party,” it said, adding, “In the ensuing fire fight, Rifleman Kulbushan Manta suffered gunshot wound. He was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by road and further evacuated by helicopter to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar.” He suffered cardiac arrest at about 11.45 AM on Oct 27 and could not be revived, he said. the Rifleman was declared dead at 12.30 P.M.
“Rifleman Kulbushan Manta epitomizes the values, traditions and ethos of the Indian Army”. Survived by his wife, NeetuKumari, the spokesman said that his mortal remains will be sent for the last rites to his native place at Village Gaunth, Post Manjholi, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
