Soldier killed, another injured
Militant Ambush: A soldier of the royal Bhutan army was killed and another injured last morning, when unknown militants ambushed a regular RBA patrol team near their outpost in Gawaithang in the south central border district of Sarpang.
According to Sarpang dzongkhag officials, the incident occurred at around 6:20am, when militants fired at six soldiers of a section plus of RBA wing 9 in Gelephu, stationed in Gawaithang, Dekiling gewog, who were on their way to the army outpost in Darjathang. Darjathang is about a kilometre from Gawaithang towards Sarpang.
Late gopa (private) Tenzin from Thangrong, Mongar, died on the spot, after a bullet pierced through his chest. A second gopa suffered minor injuries on the ring finger. The deceased is survived by his wife and three children.
Sarpang dzongkhag officials said the site of the ambush is 150 metres from the border pillar and militants had shot at the soldiers from a mound at point blank range. The soldiers retaliated but the militants escaped across the porous border into the Indian state of Assam.
The soldiers recovered a hand-made gun, khanduwa, a green camouflage bag, a small bag that contained gunpowder, torchlights, 18 empty AK-47 shells, and a raincoat.
The militants are suspected to be members of the united revolutionary front of Bhutan (URFB) based in Jhapa, Nepal.
The body of the deceased will be brought to Thimphu today, and a military cremation held tomorrow.
Commuters between Sarpang and Gelephu have been advised to refrain from travelling after 6pm, and gups have been told to create awareness amongst residents for personal safety.
By Tashi Dema in Kuensel
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