MANDI: Another
In a second heartbreaking loss within a week, Havildar Suresh Kumar (42) of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the high-altitude region of Leh-Ladakh.
Part of the 18 Dogra Regiment, Kumar reportedly fell critically ill while on duty. His death comes shortly after the passing of another soldier from Nachan, deepening the sorrow in the hill state proud of its military legacy.
A pall of gloom descended on Baggi Tunggal village in Mandi as residents gathered to pay their last respects. Kumar’s 17-year-old son Piyush lit the funeral pyre, surrounded by grieving family members, friends and neighbours.
Kumar’s wife Dhani Devi, his mother Promila Devi, daughter Shabnam and son Piyush looked on as hundreds lined the village romartyredads, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Shaheed Suresh Kumar Amar Rahe” as the soldier was laid to rest with full military honours.
Having served the nation for 25 years, Kumar had returned to his post in Leh-Ladakh only days before after a brief Diwali visit to his house. The district administration received the Army’s report categorising his passing as a “battlefield casualty,” which was officially confirmed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mandi, Rohit Rathore.
Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur conveyed their sympathies to the grieving family. Chief Minister Sukhu, paying tribute on social media, stated, “Havildar Suresh Kumar’s sacrifice epitomises courage and unwavering dedication to India and it will remain an eternal source of pride for Himachal.”
