Army chief Rawat pays tribute to soldiers killed in Shopian

Army chief General Bipin Rawat today paid tributes to two soldiers who were killed in an encounter with militants in the Zainapora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Palam airport here which was attended by other top-ranking Army officials as well.
"The Army chief laid floral wreaths on the coffins carrying the mortal remains of Sepoy Gawai Sumedh Waman and Sepoy Ilayaraja P. As a mark of respect to them," an Army spokesperson said.
Five soldiers were injured in the gun battle yesterday and had to be evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital of the Army for treatment where two of them succumbed to their injuries.

Waman, 25, who hailed from village Lonagra in Akola, Maharashtra, had joined the Army in 2011. He is survived by his parents, a brother and a sister.
Ilayaraja P, 25, hailed from Kandani village of Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu and had joined the Army in 2012. He is survived by his parents, wife and sister.
The mortal remains of the two soldiers will be flown tomorrow to their native places where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.