A Wreath laying and memorial service was organised today at the Dawar War Memorial by the Indian Army, Civil Administration and Locals of Gurez in commemoration of Major Sankalp Yadav who laid down his life in an unfortunate helicopter accident while he was on a casualty evacuation mission in Tulail region of the Gurez valley on 11 March 2022. The event witnessed a huge gathering of locals, Civil Administration officials and personnel of Indian Army, Indian Airforce, BSF, JKP and CISF who came together to express their solidarity and support for the fallen hero, his bereaved family members and Lieutenant Colonel Vivek Kumar Dwivedi who was the pilot of the helicopter who sustained grievous injuries and is presently admitted in the Army Hospital at Udhampur.
A guard of honour and wreath laying was conducted at the war memorial, post which candles were lit and prayers were offered by the gathering to pay homage to the departed soul and recovery of the injured officer. Prayers were also offered for the fallen hero, Major Sankalp Yadav, Lieutenant Colonel Vivek Kumar Dwivedi and their family members at the Darool Uloom Masjid, Dawar by the Maulvi and children of the Madrassa.
The Army Aviation and Airforce sorties are the life lines of Gurez valley during winters when the road access is cut off for around 4 months due to heavy snowfall and closure of the Razdan pass. It is then that these air warriors spring into action and aid the civil population and Armed forces deployed here in Gurez for their transport, maintenance and medical evacuation. Without them the very sustenance of this remote valley is not possible. The people of this valley are highly indebted to these air warriors for their service.
The event highlighted the unity, patriotism and unflinching support of the people of Gurez towards their Armed forces and expressed their deep condolences and gratitude towards the air warriors.
