Remains of martyred soldier arrive in Mandi

A pall of gloom descended on Barnog village in Mandi district today as the mortal remains of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, martyred in an encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, were brought home. His body was flown to Kangni helipad in Mandi from Jammu and Kashmir and later taken to the Medical College, Mandi. The final rites will be held on Tuesday.

Niab Subedar Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Barnog village in Chhamyar panchayat, was a brave soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, mother, daughter and a son. His family, still in shock, had last seen him during the Diwali festival and his untimely death has left them inconsolable.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed their profound grief over his martyrdom. Sukhu paid tribute to the fallen soldier, stating that the nation would forever honour the ultimate sacrifice made by Rakesh Kumar. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and prayed for the peace of the departed soul.

Agnihotri also mourned the loss, emphasising that both the nation and state would remain indebted to the martyr’s bravery and selfless sacrifice. He prayed for strength for the bereaved family to cope with the irreparable loss.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also condoled the death of the martyr.