Rahul Gandhi Expresses Deep Grief Over Doda Road Accident in Jammu & Kashmir
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed profound sorrow following a tragic road accident in Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of several Indian Army personnel and injuries to others. In a message posted on social media platform X, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, honoured the bravery of the fallen soldiers, and wished for a speedy recovery of those injured.
The accident occurred on January 22, 2026, in the Khannitop area on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road, when an Army vehicle carrying troops reportedly skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge while navigating treacherous terrain amid challenging weather conditions. The mishap claimed the lives of at least ten army personnel, and left an equal number injured, some of whom were airlifted to Udhampur for specialised medical treatment. Rescue and relief operations were swiftly launched by the Army and local authorities.
In his grief-filled message, Rahul Gandhi said, “The news of the death of several of our brave soldiers and injuries to many others due to an Army vehicle falling into a gorge in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely heartbreaking.” He paid “humble tribute to the martyrs” and expressed hope for the swift recovery of the injured soldiers. Gandhi added that in this moment of sorrow, the nation stands united with the families of the valiant servicemen.
His comments reflect not only a personal expression of sympathy but also a broader national sentiment shared by other leaders and officials. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and paid tribute to the soldiers’ “outstanding service and supreme sacrifice.” Sinha also noted that injured personnel were being taken to hospital and directed senior officials to ensure they received the best possible care.
In addition to Gandhi and the Lieutenant Governor, India’s President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed their condolences and prayers for the injured. They emphasised the nation’s solidarity with the Armed Forces and the bereaved families during this difficult time, highlighting the service and sacrifice of the fallen jawans.
The Jammu & Kashmir administration confirmed that the accident took place when the vehicle was on its way to a forward operational post. The adverse weather conditions and the rugged topography of the region’s hilly roads contributed to the vehicle losing control and descending into a 200-feet-deep gorge. Local police, military units and disaster response teams worked in coordinated efforts under challenging conditions to rescue survivors and recover the deceased.
Following the incident, Rahul Gandhi also underscored the broader context of such tragedies in the region, calling for improved infrastructure and enhanced road safety measures in difficult terrains. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for better road conditions to prevent future accidents that claim lives, particularly of those serving in demanding environments.
The accident has reignited discussions around the risks faced by military personnel not only from hostile engagements but also from logistical and operational challenges in mountainous and remote areas. Roads in Jammu & Kashmir’s interior regions are often narrow and winding, and weather patterns can change suddenly, increasing the danger for drivers and passengers alike. In recent years, incidents involving Army and security forces’ vehicles in difficult terrain have prompted calls from policymakers and analysts for targeted interventions in infrastructure development.
As the nation mourns the loss of the brave soldiers, tributes have poured in across social and political spheres, with citizens, leaders and organisations acknowledging the sacrifice made by the deceased. Many have emphasised that the soldiers’ service and commitment to the nation will be remembered forever, and have appealed for collective support for the injured and their families.
In his message, Rahul Gandhi urged that the memories of those who lost their lives serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by India’s defence personnel and called for unity and empathy in a moment of collective grief. As rescue and recovery operations continue, efforts are ongoing to assist the families affected and ensure timely medical care for those wounded in the tragic accident.
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