The army today paid tribute with full military honours to Naik Gawade Pandurang Mahadev, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with militants in Kupwara district of Kashmir on Saturday.
"Homage was paid to the valour and sacrifice of the late soldier in a solemn ceremony held at Badami Bagh Cantonment," a defence spokesman said.
Naik Mahadev was critically injured in a fierce gunbattle that resulted in the elimination of five heavily armed militants at Chak Drugmulla in Kupwara.
"The soldier was part of the column which located and engaged the terrorists hiding in a cluster of houses," the spokesman added.
Mahadev was evacuated to the Military Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries yesterday.
"The martyr is survived by wife and two young children," the spokesman said.
Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen. Satish Dua and all ranks of the Corps laid wreath to pay homage to the soldier on his last journey, he added.
