The fatal road accident of the Indian army in Bandipora in Jammu in the first week of January and the subsequent rescue operation ensued by villagers of Saderkot Payeen has yet again highlighted the close-knit relation of the Indian army with the people of the valley.
Despite decades of unrest in Kashmir valley, the Indian security forces have remained closely connected with locals in varied spheres of their lives. From giving a shoulder to injured at hospitals to being a part of the local religious festivals, the Indian army remains a tightly knit component of life in the valley. Several areas of Jammu and Kashmir have their bravery tales to narrate that are associated with the Indian Armed Forces.
Located around 60 km from the summer capital of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, Bandipora is known as the land of educationists and freshwater resources. Most of the district is connected to the Line of Control, where the Army, besides serving the nation, is the lifeline to thousands of people living there. From providing medical facilities to financial support, the army in the region is an extended family for the residents living along the line of control.
The accident on Jan 4 resulted in the death of four soldiers after an army vehicle skidded off a road in Saderkot Payeen village of Bandipora, negotiating a sharp turn. The residents from the nearby areas reached out a helping hand, reiterating the warmth and bravery people from the valley are known for. Havildar Hari Ram Rewar, Lance Havildar Pawan Kumar, Lance Naik Jitendra Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Nitish Kumar lost their lives in a mishap, making supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
On hearing the screeching vehicles coming to a halt at the accident spot, around 60 people from nearby areas rushed and took the injured to hospital before the other team members of the Army arrived. One of the locals, Qaisar Ahmad, reminisces about rushing three injured soldiers from the site of the accident to the hospital. Two of them survived, while the third one couldn’t make it.
Area residents feel that helping injured people is one way of expressing gratitude to the Indian army for its selfless service. Another local, Nisar Ahmad Sheikh, said the army guarded the valley with all its might to keep people safe.
Moved by the gesture, the Indian army felicitated the brave hearts on Jan 9. Army 03 sector Brigadier Vipul Kumar hailed the bravery of rescuers and said that prompt action played a critical role in saving precious lives. The injured were rushed to a nearby medical facility, receiving treatment immediately.
The Army expressed gratitude to the residents, praising their bravery and compassion. “This incident showcases the bond between the army and the local populace, even in challenging circumstances,” said Brigadier Vipul Kumar.
Meanwhile, Army Chinar Corps posted on X to pay tribute to the departed souls: “In the Field of Glory, their Spirits Reside ~ Forever Young, Forever Our Guide.”
GOC, Chinar Corps, Chinar Warriors, CRPF, & BSF officials paid homage to Havildar Hari Ram Rewar, Lance Havildar Pawan Kumar, Lance Naik Jitendra Kumar Yadav, & Lance Naik Nitish Kumar, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty at Bandipora on Jan 4 2025.
The locales, too, were mentioned as the Chinar Corps appreciated their role: “Chinar Warriors salute the valour and sacrifice of the brave hearts and express deep gratitude to our brothers from S K Payeen, District Bandipora, for extending help in rescue and recovery. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and are committed to their well-being,” the X statement of the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army stated.