Army today, paid a befitting tribute to Late Sub Yamuna Prasad Paneru, who made the supreme sacrifice on 11 Jun 2020 in Gurez sector. In a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt, Lt Gen BS Raju, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to the Braveheart on behalf of the proud nation.
Late Sub Yamuna Prasad Paneru was leading a patrol along the Line of Control, when he slipped and fell down around hundred meters on a narrow ridge which was only one feet wide with deep gorge on the sides. He was immediately rescued by his team, provided immediate first aid and evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, but unfortunately he succumbed to his severe injuries.
Late Sub Yamuna Prasad Paneru, was 36 years old and had joined the Army in 2002. He belonged to Village Padampur of Dhari Tehsil, Nainital District in Uttrakhand and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
Late Sub Yamuna Prasad Paneru was a mountaineer. In 2007, he had guided the Unit expedition team to summit the revered “Om Parvat” located in Pithoragarh district of Uttrakhand, providing distinction to the Battalion of being the first Unit to summit “Om Parvat” in winters. He was also selected for an expedition to yet unscaled “Nanda Devi” (Eastern approach) in 2007, which met with catastrophic end, claiming life of 10 Everesters. Undeterred by the incident, he had volunteered again to form part of the rescue team launched in 2009 to recover bodies of brave soldiers, who died during the fateful incident in 2007. In 2012, he was selected for expedition to Mt Everest undertaken by Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and he successfully summited Mt Everest on 25 May 12, bringing glory to the nation.
The mortal remains of Late Sub Yamuna Prasad Paneru were taken for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing.