Arunachal Guv, CM condole soldiers’ death, announce ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor B D Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have condoled the death of the seven soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Tawang sector.

The Governor, who was closely monitoring the search and rescue operation since February 6 along with top Army commanders, expressed deep sorrow and said the loss of life of the seven soldiers is a big shock to the bereaved families, the Army and to the people of India.

Late on Tuesday, the Arunachal CMO tweeted, “Chief Minister @PemaKhanduBJP has announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakhs each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), for the next of kin of 7 brave soldiers who lost their lives serving the Nation in an avalanche in the Kameng sector.”

Mishra said the enterprise of these brave hearts to secure the territorial integrity of our motherland, in spite of the vagaries of the weather and the difficulty of the terrain will always inspire us and it will be remembered by the people of Arunachal Pradesh and also the nation.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased soldiers, in this hour of grief, and I pray for the secure future of their kith and kin,” the Governor said while conveying his condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

It may be recalled that the 19th Battalion of Jammu & Kashmir Rifles received Governor’s Citation at Raj Bhavan on February 4 for their professional competence and élan, which they have displayed in their operational role while deployed on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.

The soldiers of the battalion, by their grit, round the clock surveillance and appreciable bravery, have been maintaining the highest order of sanctity of the LAC.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of the jawans.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of 7 brave Indian Army Jawans, who were trapped in an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families on their tragic loss. May God give them enough strength to bear the irreparable loss. #OmShanti,” the chief minister said in a tweet.

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