Army pays tribute to fallen soldier in Kashmir

The Indian Army on Saturday paid tributes to Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli, who made the supreme sacrifice on July 1 at Hanjan in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, at a solemn ceremony at the Badami Bagh Cantt in Srinagar.

Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldier on behalf of the nation. Late Havildar Bammanalli was part of Operation Hanjan on July 1 2021.

"At around 00:25 am, during cordon and search operation in the village, the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party," the Army said.

"Late Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli showed highest level of courage and valour by returning effective fire, in which he sustained a gunshot wound in the chest and was grievously injured. His bleeding was controlled with combat first aid and he was immediately evacuated to 92 Base Hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries on 1 July, 2021."

The braveheart late Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli was 37 years old and had joined the Army in 2006. He belonged to Village Ukkal of B Bagewadi Tehsil, Vijayapura District in Karnataka and is survived by his wife, one daughter and one son.

The mortal remains of Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli were taken for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours.

"In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing," the Army said.