We often think of war as the only danger soldiers face. But what happened in Ladakh on July 30, 2025, is a heartbreaking reminder that nature, too, can strike without warning. While driving along the treacherous route between Durbuk and Chongtash, a massive boulder fell on an Indian Army vehicle, killing two soldiers - Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Daljit Singh of the 14 Sindh Horse regiment.

Three more officers were injured and rushed to the Army hospital in Leh. This wasn’t an enemy attack. There were no bullets. Just a mountain, a loose rock, and fate. What strikes me most is that this happened not during battle, but during a routine convoy movement.

It’s easy to forget that our soldiers live with danger every single day - from avalanches to landslides, especially in terrains like Ladakh. We mourn the lives lost. But we should also remember what it truly means to serve - to step into uncertainty daily, even when no one is watching. Rest in peace, warriors. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.