Army pays tribute to martyr Naik Krishan Lal in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor

The Army on Wednesday paid tribute to martyr Naik Krishan Lal in a wreath-laying ceremony held in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. Major General R Dewan, GOC Crossed Swords Division laid the wreath and all ranks of Crossed Swords Division paid tributes to the martyr in Akhnoor.

Naik Lal was martyred on Tuesday during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector of in Rajouri district. 34-year-old Naik Lal hailed from Akhnoor. This is the second death of a soldier along the Line of Control (LoC) in July and the sixth in 2019.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, and all ranks saluted the supreme sacrifice of Naik Lal and offer deepest condolences to the family.

"Naik Krishan Lal, aged 34 years belonged to Village Ghagriyal, Post Office - Khour, Tehsil - Akhnoor, District - Jammu, J-K and is survived by his wife, Shashi Devi. Naik Krishan Lal was a brave, highly motivated and sincere soldier. The Nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," according to an Army release.

The Indian Army retaliated and two Pakistani soldiers were killed and several of their check-posts were also destroyed. Pakistan started firing since 1 pm in Tangdhar, Farkiya and Sundarbani areas of the Rajouri and Kupwara districts. According to sources, heavy weapons were used in Pakistani firing.

In another incident, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Kanjalwan area of Gurez sector in Bandipora district on Tuesday. The Army retaliated effectively. No loss of life was reported. 

Pakistan has violated a total of 272 ceasefires in July, 181 in June, 221 in May, 224 in April, 267 in March, 215 in February and 203 in January.