Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 27

A pall of gloom descended on Mardaheri village in Patiala district after the news of the death of Lance Naik Saleem Khan reached on Saturday morning.

Lance Naik Saleem Khan died in Ladakh on Friday during a rescue operation in Shyok river. The 24-year-old died after his boat capsized in the river at around 1.30 pm.

Saleem, who joined the Indian Army in 2014, belonged to the 58 Engineer Regiment.

The mortal remains of the soldier will reach the native village in the afternoon.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also expressed his condolences on Twitter. He said he was saddened to hear about the demise of Lance Naik Saleem Khan in Ladakh. He said the nation stood with the brave soldier.