Punjab Assembly Speaker condoles death of nine soldiers in Ladakh accident

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], August 21 (ANI): Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of nine army soldiers after their vehicle fell into a deep gorge in the Leh district of Ladakh.

Expressing deep sorrow over the accident, S Sandhwan said, “JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer) Ramesh Lal (41), son of late Prem Singh, a resident of Sirsari village of Faridkot district, was among the soldiers who lost their lives during this incident.”

He further said that Ramesh Lal had joined the Indian Army 24 years ago.

“Heartfelt condolences with the family of Ramesh Lal,” he added.

The Speaker prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and to give courage to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

According to officials, the accident occurred around 6.30 pm on Saturday.

“The troops were moving from Karu garrison to Kyari near Leh. The ALS vehicle, which was moving as part of a convoy from Leh to Nyoma, skidded into the valley at approximately 5:45-6:00 PM, 7 Km short of Kiari. There was 10 personnel travelling in the vehicle, of which nine died and one got injured. The injured personnel has been shifted to a hospital,” an Army official said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condoled the loss of lives in the Ladakh accident, saying their rich service to the nation will always be remembered.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, PM Modi posted, “Pained by the mishap near Leh in which we lost personnel of the Indian Army. Their rich service to the nation will always be remembered. Condolences to the bereaved families. May those who are injured recover at the earliest.” 

Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday also expressed grief over the death of 9 soldiers and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.