Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 8

An Army jawan slipped to death today while patrolling along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machil sector of Kupwara district.Sepoy Kishori Lal, a resident of Dhar village of Kishtwar, slipped and fell into a gorge while patrolling the anti-infiltration fence along the LoC, an Army statement said.“The soldier was immediately evacuated by a helicopter to Army Base Hospital in Srinagar. However, he succumbed to his injuries,” said defence spokesperson Col NN Joshi.The slain soldier was involved in reconstructing the anti-infiltration fence damaged due to heavy snowfall this year, he said.“Speedy resuscitation of the anti-infiltration is undertaken every year soon after the snow melts. This is vital to maintain a robust anti-infiltration posture and prevent infiltration of terrorists through the highly treacherous areas along the LoC,” said Colonel Joshi.He said the slain jawan had joined the Territorial Army last year.“Born to a family of farmers, he is proudly remembered by his peers for his indomitable spirit, high camaraderie quotient, commitment towards duty and thrust of achieving higher goals,” the spokesperson said.“He was physically tough and was a natural choice for his team to undertake challenging tasks. He proved it last month when he was part of a detachment which repaired a critical portion of the fence in record time,” the spokesperson added.Paying tributes to Sepoy Kishori Lal, Lt Gen Satish Dua, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Chinar Corps, saluted his courage and selflessness.“Sepoy Kishori Lal volunteered to supervise the work in the most difficult part of the terrain,” the GOC said.The soldier’s body was flown in an Army helicopter from Srinagar to Kishtwar for last rites at his village with full military honours.