Srinagar, Feb 20 : Indian Army on Sunday paid glowing tributes to its two soldiers Sep Chavan Romit Tanaji and Sep Santosh Yadav who were killed during an encounter with militants at Chreymarg in south Kashmir’s Shopian District on Saturday. Lt Gen DP Pandey, Srinagar based Chinar Corps General Officer Commanding and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldiers on behalf of the proud nation during a solemn ceremony held at BB Cantt, a defence spokesman said. “Pertinent to mention that a hardcore terrorist was neutralised in fierce firefight in early hours of Saturday, February 19 in village Tsermarg where a joint operation was launched by the Security Forces and in the ensuing encounter, two soldiers gave the supreme sacrifice, while saving civilian lives and property,” he said. The fourteen hour long operation was pursued on specific human intelligence regarding presence of terrorist in the general area of Awaneera and Tsermarg. As the Security Forces closed in towards the suspected house, heavy automatic fire was drawn by the militant endangering the lives of civilians present in the vicinity. Taking swift evasive action, the forces evacuated the civilians including ladies and children to a safe location and eliminated the hiding terrorist. Two gallant soldiers, Sep Santosh Yadav and Sep Romit Chavan hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra respectively sustained injuries in the initial gunfight and later succumbed. Late Sep Tanaji, was 23 years old and had joined the Army in 2017. He belonged to Village Lokmanya Nagar of Thane Tehsil, Thane District in Maharashtra and is survived by his Mother. While, Sep Yadav was 28 years old and had joined the Army in 2015. He belonged to Village Tadva of Rudrapura Tehsil, Deoria District in Uttar Pradesh. The braveheart is survived by his wife. The mortal remains of the two will be taken for last rites to their native place, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well being, a defence statement said. (UNI)