Surankote, Poonch, September 29, 2025 –
The pine-scented trails of Surankote usually whisper peace in Poonch’s folds, where apple orchards bend under early autumn weight and school bells ring clear over the Poonch River. But at 16 RR Headquarters around 8 AM yesterday, September 28, a grenade’s roar tore that serenity, claiming Sepoy Bhavesh Choudhary of 18 Mech Infantry. The 25-year-old from Rajasthan, stationed here to guard our western flanks, succumbed to injuries en route to the army hospital. “A brave heart silenced too soon,” mourned his CO in a somber huddle by noon, as security blankets descended on the camp.
Details emerged piecemeal: suspected militant lob from nearby woods, blast shattering a perimeter wall but contained by alert sentries. No further casualties, but the echo reverberated – cordons in Daraba area, villager quizzing till dusk. “He patrolled our lanes daily, chatting with kids,” said local elder Ghulam Nabi, eyes misty near the camp gate. “Poonch weeps with his family.” For Jammu border kin, it’s a stark reminder; supply routes from our warehouses feed these posts. Forces vow retaliation; investigations point to handlers across the LoC. In grief, unity: villagers lit lamps last night, honoring a son who called Poonch home. Rest easy, Bhavesh – your watch inspires ours.