MANDI/SHAHPUR: Subedar Major Pawan Kumar (48), an Indian Army soldier from Shahpur in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, was martyred during heavy cross-border firing by Pakistan in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceasefire violation occurred during the early hours of Friday (May 9, 2025) when Pakistani troops launched unprovoked firing at Indian forward posts.
Deployed with the 25 Punjab Regiment, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar was at the frontline, leading his unit’s defensive response, when he was fatally injured while retaliating with courage and determination, said an official.
According to military sources, Indian troops gave a fitting reply to the ceasefire violation, but in the line of duty, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar suffered critical injuries and succumbed while defending the nation.
Wave of grief sweeps native place Shahpur
As the news of his martyrdom reached his native Siholpuri village in Shahpur, a wave of grief engulfed the entire region. Locals mourned the loss of a man who was not only a brave soldier but also a deeply respected member of the community.
Subedar Major Pawan Kumar was just two months away from retirement. He leaves behind his father Garjo Singh, a retired Havildar from the Army, wife Sushma Devi, son Abhishek Kumar, who is preparing for competitive exams, and daughter Anamika, a college student.
The Indian Army has formally informed the family and emotional scenes unfolded as villagers, ex-servicemen and local leaders gathered at the martyr’s home to pay their respects. Despite the deep sorrow, the family expressed immense pride in his sacrifice.
Preparations are underway for his final rites with full military honours.
TNR News Network
