J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on October 11, paid tributes to two soldiers, both paratroopers, who lost their lives battling extreme weather conditions during counter-terror operations at the Kokernag–Kishtwar axis in Anantnag district. Sinha visited the Srinagar-based headquarters of the Army’s Chinar Corps (15 Corps) at the Badami Bagh Cantonment and laid floral wreaths on the coffins as a mark of tribute to the fallen soldiers.
It is the sacrifices of the security forces personnel and maintenance of close vigil by them that an atmosphere of peace has been built in the Union Territory (UT) of J&K. The sheet of white snow on the heights of Kokernag, as also Kisthwar along Simthan Pass, is one area which poses constant challenges to these personnel, senior officers pointed out.
An official spokesman said Sinha paid homage to Army bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh, who laid down their lives for the nation. The two soldiers made the supreme sacrifice while conducting counter-terror operations in the higher reaches of Kishtwar and Kokernag, battling extreme weather conditions. “I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh. The nation shall remain forever grateful for the exemplary valour and selfless service of our soldiers. We stand in solidarity with the families of our martyrs in this hour of grief,” Manoj Sinha said.
The two soldiers, part of the Army’s elite Special Forces (SF) unit, had gone missing during a combing operation in Kokernag earlier this week. The operation was launched in the Ahlan Gadole area, following inputs that some terrorists were hiding there. The body of one soldier was recovered on Thursday, while another body was found on Friday, officials said, adding that it seems both died due to hypothermia (extreme cold).
Some days ago, the two soldiers had gone missing in an area heavily covered with snow and a very challenging terrain. It was then suspected that the two may have been targeted by terrorists operating in the area. Be it war or peace, the shadow of terrorism is not far away when we are discussing J&K, as is clear from the deaths of these two soldiers.
After the abrogation of Article 35-A and the whittling down of Article 370 in August 2019, the incidents of terrorism have come down substantially, though. Sinha was alluding to this fact when he said that terrorism was breathing its last in J&K. The establishment of peace and tranquillity has brought progress and prosperity to the region, he said on Friday while addressing a gathering of police personnel.
“Terrorism is breathing its last in J&K. The peace has enabled unparalleled progress and brought greater prosperity in the lives of people. Security has significantly improved across the country. Roots of left-wing extremism were dismantled and India is witnessing a new era of progress driven by rapid economic growth,” Manoj Sinha said while speaking at the 10th All India Police Judo Cluster (Men & Women) – 2025.
Manoj Sinha said that the J&K Police is not only fighting terrorism, maintaining law and order, and protecting citizens, but it is also a crucial agent of socio-economic development. It is worth noting that fighting crime and maintaining law and order are standard policing duties; however, for the police in J&K, this role is compounded by the challenging task of combating terrorism in the UT.
The LG stated that the J&K Police has ensured peace and a stable society, facilitating industrial growth and overall progress in J&K. Manoj Sinha commended the Police, Army, and personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for dismantling terror support systems and preventing cross-border infiltration. He emphasised intelligence-based kinetic operations and adopting a multifaceted approach to tackle internal security challenges.
The LG also praised the J&K Police force in building a fear-free environment for citizens. Sinha also spoke on the power of sports to foster a sense of collective identity, camaraderie, courage, character building, peace, equality and friendship among people and the region.
He called upon the youth to develop qualities like compassion and courage, and dedicate their potential and talents in service to the nation. “Sports is the universal language of unity and it promotes inclusivity and mutual respect. The sports events like All India Police Judo Cluster serves as a vibrant platform to celebrate Unity in Diversity and showcase India’s rich cultural and social heritage,” he said.
More than 2,000 athletes are participating in the Championship, comprising Judo, Wushu, Pencak Silat, Taekwondo and Karate, hosted by J&K Police.
