Srinagar, April 17 : Army on Sunday said a soldier died in an encounter with militants that erupted at village Watnar of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Based on inputs received from Jammu and Kashmir Police about the presence of terrorists in general area of village Watnar on Saturday , the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon and search operation at about 1515 hours on April 16, Srinagar based defence spokesman said. “While the initial cordon was being laid at village Watnar, the terrorists opened heavy volume of fire on forces. Unmindful of his own safety, Lance Naik Nishan Singh, who was part of the initial cordon party, charged at the terrorists, returned the fire and in the encounter sustained a Gun Shot Wound on his chest”, he said. He was immediately evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, where he was declared dead by medical authorities. Soon after the exchange of fire, additional forces were rushed to the area. A large area around the encounter site was searched by joint forces on Saturday and Sunday morning. “The operation has now been called off,” the sources said and added the militants managed to escape. The 29 year old Nishan Singh had joined the Army in 2013. He belonged to Vill – Bhaudin, Distt – Sirsa in Haryana and is survived by his Wife. The mortal remains of Nishan Singh will be taken for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours, he said. A wreath laying ceremony was held at Badami Bagh Cantt today during which General-Officer-Commanding of the Srinagar based Chinar Corps Lt Gen D P Pandey, and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldier, a defence spokesman said. QAB SY 1616
