Army seeks support from people of Haryana for befitting last rites to martyr

New Delhi:  The army on Sunday appealed to the people of Haryana to extend their full support in giving a befitting farewell to Captain Pawan Kumar, who lost his life in an encounter with the militants in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pampore district.

Pawan Kumar, a 23-year-old officer from the 10 Paramilitary, laid down his life in the early hours yesterday during a fierce gun-battle with the militants.

The young officer, who belonged to Jind, Haryana, was an inspiring leader who in spite of being injured earlier in an anti-terrorist operation, went on to volunteer for more operations.

The mortal remains of the brave martyr will be brought by air to Jind on February 22 as the road traffic is disrupted due to the law and order situation in Haryana, which is presently facing the heat of the pro-reservation protest by the Jat community.

The last rites, with full military honours, are being planned by the army and state administration at his village tomorrow.

At least four defence personnel lost their lives while fighting the militants in the ongoing encounter at Entrepreneurs Development Institute at Pampore.

A civilian also lost his life in the encounter.