In yet another drowning incident, one Indian Army personnel drowned in Nsonji Lake, New Sendenyu, Tseminyu district on June 30. Identified as 27-year-old Shwensilo Semp and son of Khikebu Semp, the victim was serving at the Assam Regimental Centre and was reportedly on leave. He hailed from Terogvunyu village in Tseminyu district.
According to Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) president Kegwayhun Tep, the victim along with five of his friends went for a picnic at Nsonji Lake, located around 30 km from Tseminyu police station, around 4 pm when one of his friends while swimming in the lake was unable to come offshore.
Seeing his friend getting drowned, the victim plunged into the lake to save his friend. But, while his friend was rescued, he got drowned.
Tep said the incident was communicated to district administration, and assistance of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was sought. All efforts were being made to retrieve the body.
Following intensive search, the body was recovered with the help of NDRF on Monday. The NDRF handed over the body to Tseminyu Police for investigation. The body was later taken to Naga Hospital Kohima for postmortem.
Assam Regiment, AR mourn death of brave soldier
The Assam Regiment and Assam Rifles on Tuesday mourned the death of Sepoy Shwensinlo Semp from the Assam Regiment in a tragic accident in Nagaland. Semp, who was on leave, displayed exemplary courage and rescued a friend from a lake before getting entangled in weeds and bogged down in mud in the lakebed.
Army’s Eastern Command said that the incident occurred at the Nsonji Lake in Tsimenyu, Nagaland, close to which Semp and his friends were enjoying a picnic.
“A friend stepped into the water but was dragged in due to the eddies. Without caring for his own safety, Semp jumped into the water and succeeded in pulling out his friend. He was unable to surface though as his feet had been rendered immobile,” the army said.
Army said that the heartfelt incident underscores the profound commitment of soldiers to protect and serve, even at great personal risk. The Assam Rifles also extends condolences to Sep Shwensinlo’s family and loved ones. “We mourn the loss of a true hero whose actions exemplified the highest ideals of military service…,” AR said.