Two army officers killed by Soldier in Kashmir
Jammu-Kashmir (India), SVM News, November 10, 2007: A soldier shot and killed two of his colleagues, including a junior commissioned officer in the premises of 16 Corps Counter-Insurgency Battle School at Bhalara near Bhaderwah in Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir around 12 noon on November 10.
Subedar Siju Alex
The two army officials, Subedar Siju Alex (35), a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and havaldar Brij Behari, a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) were murdered on Saturday in the shootout by Sepoy Vivek Kumar Sharma, who was undergoing training at the Balra Corps Battle School.
Lt. Col. SD Goswami, the defence spokesman in Jammu, said the soldier, identified as Vivek Kumar Sharma, 'ran amok and killed a JCO and an NCO with his service rifle in the Corps Battle School at Bhalara'.
Vivek Sharma had been arrested and a court of Inquiry ordered to ascertain the reason behind his action.
Subedar Siju Alex, a Christian, son of Kulamakkal Chandy at Chempakappara in Idukki District of Kerala died on the spot. He belonged to the Pathankot-based, 105-Air Defence Regiment and he was on 15 days special duty in battle school. He completed his special duty on Saturday and was becoming ready to go back to his regiment.
Siju Alex leaves his wife Jaisy and two children Allan and Arun. Jaisy is the daughter of Kaliyanikkal Chacko at Maradi in Kerala.
Siju's relatives said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that there is inexplicability about his death. They have contacted Mr. A.K. Antony, the Defence Minister of India for furthur actions.
Fragging continues to haunt security forces in the Valley despite various stress-busting techniques and tough action against erring soldiers.
Major P. Alexander was killed by sepoy Mohan Munda in the Gurez sector near the Line of Control in Kashmir on July 24. He was the highest-ranking officer to die this year in such an incident.
SALEM VOICE MINISTRIES NEWS SERVICE (SVM NEWS)
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