Army gives compensation to families of three porters

Srinagar, July 18

The Army has distributed compensation of Rs 35 lakh to the next of kin of three porters who died while rendering their services in Kupwara district.The porters are Jafar Ahmed Sheikh of Dardpora, Karalpora; Gulam Mohamad Kasana of Quil Maqum, Bandipora; and Gulam Mohammad Khan of Sidi Kilsai, Bandipora. They laid down their lives while serving the Army in the Keran sector and the Gurez valley.Another porter Ajaz Ahmed Khoja, resident of Pharkian, Karalpora, who sustained serious injuries leading to disability, was also given due compensation, an Army spokesman said here.The cheques were distributed by the GOC, Vajra Division, to the next of kin at Kupwara on Tuesday. The GOC highlighted that the porters working for the Army were part of the extended family and the Army would always look after the families of the deceased and disabled porters. —TNS