Poonch Jammu/UNI: The Army on Friday confirmed two soldiers who were injured during Poonch gunfight in Mendhar sector and later succumbed were two riflemen and there was no Junior Commissioned Officer killed.
Both riflemen Vikram Singh Negi (26) and Yogambar Singh (27) were from Uttarakhand and were injured on Thursday along the Line of Control during a counter terrorist operation. As the bodies were not retrieved during the night there was confusion over their identity.
Jammu-based Defence Spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand said the counter terrorist operation by the Army was still underway in Nar Khas Forest area.
"During the operation, there was heavy exchange of fire and in the ensuing gun fight Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi and Rifleman Yogambar Singh were critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries," said the spokesman.
He said: "Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi and Rifleman Yogambar Singh displayed exemplary courage, devotion and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The nation will always remain indebted to these bravehearts for their supreme sacrifice for the nation."
Negi was from Tehri Garhwal district's Viman village, while Singh Chamoli's Sankari village.
The search operation was launched three days ago after the Surankote operation on Tuesday afternoon.
On Thursday evening, as the joint patrol party reached Bhatadharian area of Nar Khas Forest at least three-four terrorists present fired upon them, triggering the encounter.
Earlier on Oct 12, one JCO and four jawans were killed in a gun battle in Surankote area of Poonch district.
The encounter stretched to Rajouri district. Searches are still underway to trace the armed terrorists hiding in the woods along the Line of Control.
The Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force had claimed responsibility for the Oct 12 attack.
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