Tearful Tributes Across India for Soldiers and Civilians Lost in Cross-Border Conflict
Jammu/Muzaffarnagar/Kallithanda, May 11 – Emotional scenes played out across India on Sunday as the last rites of soldiers and civilians killed in recent Pakistani shelling were performed with full honours, drawing large crowds of mourners and high-ranking dignitaries.
The Jammu division, the epicentre of heavy cross-border shelling, recorded the highest number of casualties, including security personnel and civilians.
Soldier Sunil Kumar Laid to Rest Amid Grief and Glory
In Arnia sector's Triva village, hundreds gathered to pay their respects to Rifleman Sunil Kumar (25) of the 4 J-K Light Infantry regiment. Critically injured in RS Pura sector shelling on Saturday, he later succumbed to his injuries. Coming from a family steeped in military service, Kumar was inspired from a young age to join the armed forces, said relatives.“The entire village is in mourning. We lost a son of the soil,” former sarpanch Balbir Kour said during the farewell.
BSF Sub-Inspector Imteyaz Honoured with Floral Tributes
Another victim of the shelling in the RS Pura sector was BSF sub-inspector Mohammed Imteyaz from Bihar, who died when a mortar shell exploded near his post. Seven colleagues were injured. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary, Minister Satish Sharma, and senior BSF and police officials attended his wreath-laying ceremony, offering heartfelt tributes.Rajouri’s Top Official Raj Kumar Thapa Among Civilian Casualties
The government also mourned the loss of Additional District Development Commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa, killed after a mortar shell struck his residential compound in Rajouri. His remains were brought to his Roop Nagar home and later cremated. LG Sinha personally visited the family, stating, “Dr Thapa's contribution to J-K’s development is immense.”Andhra Pradesh Salutes Soldier Murali Naik
In Sri Sathyasai district, Andhra Pradesh, the body of soldier Mudavath Murali Naik, killed in Poonch, was received with honour. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and others paid homage. Kalyan announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia from his side, while CM N Chandrababu Naidu sanctioned Rs 50 lakh, along with five acres of agricultural land and 300 square yards of housing land for Naik’s family.Air Force Hero Surendra Kumar Cremated in Rajasthan
Assistant medical sergeant Surendra Kumar of the Indian Air Force, who died during the Udhampur airbase attack, was cremated in his village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district. His young son Daksh lit the pyre as slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Surendra Kumar Amar Rahe" echoed in the air.Himachal's Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Honoured with State Funeral
Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, another victim of Poonch shelling, was laid to rest with full state honours in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district. His son performed the last rites amid chants of "Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Amar Rahe" and "Pakistan Murdabad," as crowds gathered to bid him farewell.Uttar Pradesh Grieves the Loss of Two Civilian Lives
The military conflict also claimed civilian lives. Mohammad Sahib (35) and his two-year-old niece Ayesha were killed in Rajouri district. Both were buried in their native village Khai Khedi, Uttar Pradesh, with a large turnout of mourners.As India continues to grapple with the aftermath of cross-border hostilities, the nation stands united in grief and gratitude for those who laid down their lives in service and innocence.
