Major dies in accident during operation in Kashmir

A major of the Indian army died in a accident Monday while on a operation against separatist guerrillas in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, a defence spokesman said.

According to the defence spokesman, a unit of the counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles had launched a cordon and search operation in Panchalthan (Chaugam) village of Anantnag, during which Maj.Rahul Singh sustained a fatal head injury due to 10-15 metre fall caused by extreme slippery terrain due to the inclement weather.

"The accident happened at 11 a.m. when Maj. Rahul Singh, braving the extremely inclement weather, led his troops as part of the operation.

"On reaching Panchalthan, the officer, due to extreme slippery ground conditions caused due to almost 48 hours of continuous rains, slipped and lost his balance. He fell 10-15 meters down in a ridge which resulted in a head injury leading to his death," the spokesman added.

The officer had been in service for nine years. He is survived by his wife and a two-year old daughter, the spokesman said.