Srinagar, May 12 : The Army on Tuesday paid tribute to the junior commissioned officer (JCO) of 32 Rashtriya Rifles, Naib Subedar Hira Bahadur Pandey, who laid down his life in the service of the nation.

Srinagar headquartered Chinar Corps of the Army said on X, â??Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Naib Subedar Hira Bahadur Pandey, while on operational duty in Baramulla district. His courage and dedication will forever inspire us."

â??Chinar Warriors salute the valour and sacrifice of the Braveheart. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and are committed to their well-beingâ??, it further said.

Naib Subedar Hira Bahadur Pandey of the 32 Rashtriya Rifles was martyred during a special operation in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district in North Kashmir after reportedly falling into a deep gorge while on duty.

According to reports, security forces launched a special operation late on Sunday night in the Markoot Hamam forest area located in the upper reaches of Rafiabad.

During the operation, Naib Subedar Pandey reportedly slipped while climbing a steep mountainous terrain and fell into a deep gorge. Fellow soldiers immediately launched a rescue effort and managed to evacuate him from the area. According to official sources, the mishap took place while the Army personnel were engaged in a night patrol operation in the dense upper forest region of Hamam Markoot.

During the movement through the challenging terrain, the officer reportedly lost his balance and slipped, sustaining critical injuries. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot, officials confirmed. Following the incident, the body was recovered from the area.

Army authorities have initiated the necessary procedural steps.

Officials have classified the incident as accidental, and the local police have registered a case in connection with the fall.

The upper forest belts of Rafiabad are known for their difficult and rugged terrain. Security forces frequently conduct patrols in these areas, particularly at night, as part of surveillance and anti-militancy operations.

/IANS