Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces ₹1 Crore Ex-Gratia for Families of Soldiers Martyred in Kulgam Encounter

Chandigarh, August 9, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of two soldiers from the state during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

In a post on X, Mann saluted the courage and dedication of the soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh from Manupur village in Khanna and Sepoy Harminder Singh from Badinpur village in Mandi Gobindgarh, who lost their lives while serving the nation. “We express our heartfelt condolences to the families. We salute the spirit and bravery of the soldiers who were martyred for the defence of the country,” the Chief Minister wrote.

Mann announced an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore each for the families of the deceased, reiterating his government’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of armed forces personnel.

According to officials, the two jawans died on the ninth day of an ongoing operation in the Akhal Devsar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The Chinar Corps paid tribute to the soldiers, stating, “Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”

Security forces have so far neutralised one terrorist in the encounter. Nearly a week earlier, a terrorist was also eliminated in a separate gunfight in the same area. The current operation is being jointly carried out by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Special Operations Group (SOG).

Providing updates on the ongoing mission, Chinar Corps stated on X, “Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised so far. Operation continues.”