Naib Subedar Hira Bahadur Pandey of the 32 Rashtriya Rifles was martyred during a special operation in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district in north Kashmir after reportedly falling into a deep gorge while on duty.
According to available information, security forces had launched a special operation late on Sunday night in the Markoot Hamam forest area located in the upper reaches of Rafiabad.
During the operation, Naib Subedar Pandey reportedly slipped while climbing a steep mountainous terrain and fell into a deep gorge. Fellow soldiers immediately launched a rescue effort and managed to evacuate him from the area.
However, he had sustained multiple serious injuries and was found unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The incident occurred amid ongoing counter-insurgency and area domination operations being carried out by security forces in the forested regions of north Kashmir.
The sacrifice of Naib Subedar Pandey reflects the immense risks faced by soldiers operating in difficult terrain and harsh operational conditions while safeguarding national security.
