Morung Express News
Viswema/Dimapur | August 18
Three Army officers of the GOC 3 Corps were killed this morning when the helicopter they were flying in crashed about 8 kilometers away from Jakhama village and 5 kilometers west of Viswema village in Kohima district of Nagaland, Wednesday.
The military officers have been identified as Colonel PK Pal, Major Nikhil Rana and Major Rakesh Sharma. They had taken off on a sortie in a Cheetah helicopter from Rangapahar in Dimapur. The crash is believed to have happened around 8:20am, the point of time contact with the helicopter was lost, sources from the Defense informed today.
The helicopter crashed into the slopes of Teyozhu Mountain, situated at an altitude of 2339 meters above sea level. It took almost two and half hours to reach the crash-spot by foot from the Viswema approach-road above National Highway 39. Villagers, army personnel, GBs, doctors and media personnel climbed cliffs to reach the spot.
Media officer of the HQ 3 Corps Major Vallari Joshi told The Morung Express that the three officers were posted in Nagaland and were on a routine sortie. While bad weather is attributed to be the initial cause of the crash, the GOC 3 corps has ordered an inquiry into the mishap. The inquiry is a routine procedure, Major Joshi informed.
She stated that the Cheetah was flying from Dimapur to Imphal when it got trapped in bad weather in a valley 8 kilometers in the areas of Jakhama, and crashed. The mortal remains of the officers were informed to have been sent to Naga Hospital Kohima for post mortem, at the time of filing this news report.
PRO of Defense (Kohima) Colonel RK Palta also said in a report received here that the three officers were a crew of two and one service personnel on board. At around 8:25am there was loss of contact with the helicopter, understood to be flying south of Kohima in the general area of Viswema. The helicopter had reportedly crashed approximately 5 kilometers west of Viswema village, the PRO stated in the report. He stated that “The cause of the crash is not known at this point of time” and that “a court of inquiry is being ordered, to ascertain the cause of the crash.”
The civilian population of Viswema areas also with army rescue dispatches also joined in the search and rescue and relief efforts. “The civil police and civil administration machinery was also at hand for rescue and relief work. The Army authorities lauded and expressed thanks to the civil fraternity of Viswema area, for their commendable and voluntary assistance in the rescue and relief efforts, as also the civil administrative machinery for the help rendered,” the PRO stated.
The DIPR stated that the bodies of the three officers were recovered in the late evening and a short condolence service was held at Viswema village junction before being taken to Jakhama. During the short stop at Viswema, floral tributes were paid to the deceased by the Angami Public Organization, Angami Students Union, Southern Angami Public Organization and Viswema Village Council.
Kumar, Rio mourns death of army officers
Governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today mourned the three army officers who were killed in this morning’s helicopter crash in Kohima. Separate condolences messages were received here from the governor and the chief minister.
“I am saddened to learn of the tragic helicopter crash today near Viswema village and the untimely loss of the precious lives of Col PK Pal, SM, Commanding Officer, 7003 EME Bn, Maj Nikhil and Maj Rakesh Sharma,” Governor Kumar said. “I deeply mourn the loss of these young, dynamic and courageous officers, and send my deepest condolences to their families and their units. I pray that you all get the strength to bear their irreparable loss.”
Also, Chief Minister Rio expressed deep shock at the news of tragedy. “It is extremely unfortunate to learn that the crash occurs just minutes before its landing at Jakhama. They were in service of the people and the country in the given capacities and their tragic death the Army have indeed lost three very efficient officers,” Rio said in his condolence.
“On behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and pray to God Almighty that the departed soul rest in peace.” The chief minister also requested that the condolence be conveyed to the members of the bereaved family.
