Colonel Rai
Indian soldiers carry the coffin containing the body of Colonel M.N. Rai, who was killed in a gun battle with militants.Reuters

Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told the media on Saturday that he has advised the Indian Army to make sure that no jawan loses his life while battling terrorists.

He further said that necessary precautions were being taken by the armymen to prevent casualties.

According to a PTI report, Parrikar also visited late Colonel MN Rai's family to pay tribute to the braveheart and assured his relatives of all possible help. Colonel Rai lost his life in an encounter with terrorists on 27 January, at Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir. Parrikar met the late armyman's family at their Cariappa Vihar residence in Delhi Cantonment on Friday.

"I visited his family and I have personally directed that all required support should be extended immediately. And wherever there is any difficulty, I have told them to get back to me if required," Parrikar was quoted as saying.

Colonel Rai lost his life at the hands of the terrorists just a day after he was conferred with the prestigious Yudh Seva Medal.