Wednesday, December 18, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, two troops lost their lives and one was wounded putting ammunition into a tank during a training session. Within a few days, this represents the second fatal event within the range.

The sad incident happened when three soldiers were operating with the tank and the charger, which is a component of the ammo loading procedure burst. Two troops, Ashutosh Mishra and Jitendra, died right away from the blast. Another soldier suffered injuries and was airlocated to Chandigarh for treatment.

Lt. Col. Amitabh Sharma, a Defence spokesman, said that at the time of the incident the troops were engaged in regular training drills. He confirmed: "The charger exploded while they were loading the ammunition." Quickly flown to Chandigarh for additional treatment, the injured soldier was

The occurrence has been reported as a sad accident that happened during what ought to have been a regular training session. Sharing the specifics of the tragedy with news agency PTI, Circle Officer of Lunkaransar in Bikaner, Narendra Kumar Poonia, expressed sympathies to the relatives of the dead troops.

Just days ago, another fatal tragedy at the same training range occurred here. Another soldier, Gunner Chandra Prakash Patel, sadly passed death on Sunday, December 15 when the gun towing vehicle he was running unexpectedly slid backwards as he was connecting the gun. Patel suffered fatal injuries from the unexpected movement of the truck, underscoring the hazards of military training and the risks troops run in line of duty.

These two events over a few days have sparked questions regarding the security precautions implemented at the Mahajan Field Firing Range. Although keeping readiness depends on military training, handling heavy machinery, ammunition, and equipment in such exercises always carries hazards. Although the army has not yet given a thorough justification of the safety measures in place at the range, investigations on both events are under progress to identify the precise causes and stop next mishaps.

The relatives of the dead troops as well as their fellow in arms are in mourning over these terrible losses. With condolences coming in from all throughout the country, the army is supposed to help the families through this trying period. Reportedly in stable health and receiving the finest available medical treatment, the wounded soldier—whose name has not been revealed—is

The events provide as a sombre reminder of the risks troops encounter during training to defend and serve the nation as investigations go on. The country prays for the quick healing of the wounded soldier and stands in sympathy with the families of the departed troops.

Our prayers are with the families; we respect the courageous men who give so much in line of duty.

--