A tragic event unfolded in Himachal Pradesh as 25-year-old Agniveer Naveen Kumar lost his life in a landslide while serving in the Drass sector of Kargil on May 20. Serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles under the Agnipath recruitment scheme, Naveen’s death has sent shockwaves through his community and beyond.
Hailing from Halun village in Thural Panchayat, Kangra district, Naveen Kumar’s body is expected to be returned to his hometown on Thursday, where he will be laid to rest with the honors befitting a soldier.
Vandana Kumari, the Pradhan of Thural Panchayat, confirmed this devastating news. Expressing the village’s sorrow, she stated, “We were informed by a local soldier. The entire village stands united with the bereaved family.”
Naveen joined the Army two years ago at an open recruitment rally, inspired by a legacy of military service in his family. His father, Rajmal, who served as a Havildar in the 13 JAK Rifles, passed away from cancer four years ago, and Naveen’s choice to enlist echoed a proud lineage of service.
Family members recounted that Naveen had spoken to his mother on the morning of May 19, just one day prior to the tragic incident. His last visit home occurred in July 2024, a testament to his commitment to duty and service.
The heartbreaking news reached Naveen’s family on Tuesday evening through a fellow soldier, plunging the entire village into mourning.
In response to the untimely loss, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed profound sorrow. Both leaders extended their condolences to Naveen’s grieving family in official statements, honoring his sacrifice and praying for strength and solace for his loved ones during this incredibly challenging time. The community continues to rally around the family in this moment of grief, commemorating the brave service of one of their own.
