A deep sense of sorrow has enveloped the village of Jol in Himachal Pradesh’s Jawali constituency following the untimely passing of 35-year-old ITBP jawan Ankaj Kumar. The dedicated soldier, who served as a driver with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, suffered a sudden brain stroke while on duty in Almora, Uttarakhand.
ITBP officials communicated the tragic news to Kumar’s family at approximately 5 PM on June 25, leaving them in shock and despair. The emotional impact of his passing has resonated not only within his family but also throughout the village, where he was a well-known and respected figure.
Ankaj Kumar had recently resumed his duties after a month-long leave. He is survived by his wife, Sapna Devi, and their two young sons, 10-year-old Aditya and 8-year-old Suryansh. His father, Thakur Singh, operates a tailoring shop in Bhali, while his mother, Kanta Devi, is a homemaker. The family is now grappling with the profound loss of a son, husband, and father, as community members and local officials rally to offer their support during this difficult time.
The mortal remains of the martyr are anticipated to arrive in his hometown of Jol by Friday morning, where dignified final rites will take place with full state honors, recognizing his service and sacrifice. This incident has served as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked sacrifices made by members of the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting the vulnerabilities and challenges they face even in peacetime away from the frontline.
