THE TWO WERE MARTYRED IN A COUNTER-TERRORIST OPERATION AT J&K’S KUPWARA DISTRICT IN AUGUST 1991; NINE TERRORISTS WERE NEUTRALISED AND 22 APPREHENDED IN THE OPERATION

PANCHKULA: Floral tributes were paid on Monday to the Dogra Regiment 18th battalion’s Maj Sandeep Shankla and Sepoy Swarn Singh of who were martyred in a counter-terrorist operation at Zafarkhani village of J&K’s Kupwara district in August 1991.

SANT ARORA/HTMajor Sandeep Shankla’s parents (behind soldiers) during the wreath-laying ceremony in Panchkula on Monday.

Nine terrorists were neutralised, 22 were apprehended and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered in the operation.

Maj Shankla had sacrificed his life while trying to save one of his soldiers, energising his troops. An IMA pass out of 1986 batch, Major Shankla was posthumously awarded with Ashok Chakra. Sepoy Swaran Singh was awarded (posthumously) with Kirti Chakra while Capt BJS Sandhu was given Shaurya Chakra.

The battalion earned five Sena medals, two Chief of Staff commendation cards and one GOC-in-C commendation card.

Maj Gen IJS Hundal, paid homage and laid a wreath to honour brave martyrs on behalf of the Western Army Commander. Serving officers, JCOs and veterans of the unit, who had participated in this operation, were also present. Next of kin of the martyrs also took part in the ceremony and were felicitated.