Subedar Major from Shahpur martyred in Pakistani shelling
The family of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Jariyal (48), a native of Shahpur, was preparing for his retirement in three months’ time, little knowing that he would return home as a martyr, wrapped in the Tricolour.
Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, a resident of Ward No. 4 at Shahpur in Kangra district, was martyred in cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces around 7.30 am today. The 25 Punjab Regiment soldier was stationed in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a second generation ‘fauji’, as his father Garaj Singh Jariyal had also served in 25 Punjab Regiment.
Meanwhile, a pall of gloom descended on the village after the news of his martyrdom spread. His body was being brought from Poonch to Rajouri, from where it would be brought to his native village for cremation. Pawan is survived by his parents, wife Sushma Devi, son Abhishek Kumar and daughter Anamika.
Subedar Major Pawan Kumar hailed from a proud military family and was due to retire in coming August. His father stood composed, showing unwavering courage of a true soldier, when he said, “I am sad to lose my son but am also proud that he laid down his life for the sake of the motherland.”
Pawan Kumar had visited home in February this year for a month and thereafter remained in constant touch with the family. He had talked to his wife late last evening and son Abhishek a day earlier. It is learnt that Pawan Kumar had an option to have a station of his choice but the brave heart chose to serve on the border.
His son Abhishek, while talking to The Tribune, said that his father would find time every day to inquire about the well-being of the family but would shy away and never talk about the ongoing operations at the border. Abhishek and his sister are pursuing graduation from IGNOU at Dharamsala while their mother is a homemaker.
According to Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, the mortal remains would reach Shahpur late in the evening and the cremation would be held tomorrow with state honours. Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania and SDM Kartar Chand visited the house of the martyr. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu spoke with the martyr’s father over telephone to convey his condolences. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said that “Subedar Major Pawan Kumar has made the supreme sacrifice for the unity and sovereignty of the country and will be remembered by people forever. The state government stands in solidarity with the family in this hour of grief and will extend all possible assistance to it.”
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj and Kangra MLA Pawan Kajal also expressed grief over the martyrdom of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar. They prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
Himachal Tribune