An Army soldier was tragically killed in a mine blast while conducting a patrol along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. According to official reports, Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta, who served with the 25 Rashtriya Rifles, was part of an area domination patrol in the Thanedar Tekri region when the incident occurred. During the patrol, he inadvertently stepped on a landmine, leading to the fatal explosion.
The news of the incident has prompted an outpouring of grief within the military community. Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the White Knight Corps, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier. In a statement, he expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, emphasizing the deep sense of loss felt by all ranks in the Corps. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” he stated, reflecting the profound respect and camaraderie that characterize military bonds.
The incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by armed forces personnel deployed in conflict zones, particularly in areas where unexploded ordnance remains a threat. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the sacrifice of soldiers like Havildar Varikunta highlights the risks taken by security forces in maintaining peace and stability.
