Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, May 11 – Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, who lost his life in Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, was laid to rest with full state honours on Sunday at his native village in Shahpur, Kangra district.
The atmosphere was filled with grief and patriotism as hundreds gathered to bid farewell to the fallen soldier. Emotional scenes unfolded as his young son performed the final rites, lighting the funeral pyre amid slogans of "Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Amar Rahe" and "Pakistan Murdabad" echoing through the village.
The martyr’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, arrived from Jammu around 1 pm. The air was heavy with the cries of his mourning family and the solemn silence of those paying their respects.
Top Officials and Public Figures Pay Tribute
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania led the tributes on behalf of the state government. He was joined by Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Deputy Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, and Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri, who all offered floral tributes.Among the notable attendees were former Assembly Speaker Vipin Parmar, former Minister Sarveen Chaudhary, and former MLA Arun Kumar, all of whom paid their last respects to the braveheart.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a heartfelt statement, said, “The nation will forever remain indebted to his courage. The state government stands firmly with his family in this hour of grief.”
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
Subedar Major Pawan Kumar served in the 25 Punjab Regiment and hailed from Ward Number 4 in Shahpur. Military service runs in the family, as his father, Garaj Singh, is a retired Havildar of the Indian Army. The martyr is survived by his parents, wife, son, and daughter.His ultimate sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the valour and dedication of India’s armed forces. The people of Himachal Pradesh and the entire nation mourn the loss of one of their bravest.
