Agniveer Naveen Kumar Martyred in Landslide While on Duty in Kargil
Body to Reach Native Village in Kangra on Thursday; CM Expresses Condolences
Arvind Sharma
May 21, 2025 10:02
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Dharamshala, May 20, 2025: Agniveer Naveen Kumar (25), a brave soldier from village Halun in Thural Panchayat of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, was martyred while on duty in the Drass sector of Kargil. He was serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and lost his life after being caught in a landslide during the midnight hours of May 20.
Naveen Kumar had joined the Army just two years ago through an open rally recruitment under the Agnipath scheme. He was the only son of his family. His father, Rajmal, also served the nation as a Havildar in the 13 JAK Rifles and passed away four years ago due to cancer.
According to family sources, Naveen had spoken to his mother over the phone on the morning of May 19, just hours before the tragic incident occurred. He had last visited home in July 2024.
The news of his martyrdom was conveyed to the family on Tuesday evening by another soldier from the area. The entire village is in mourning, and the atmosphere remains heavy with grief.
Vandana Kumari, Pradhan of Thural Panchayat, confirmed the incident and expressed her condolences. "We were informed by a soldier from the area. The whole village stands with the grieving family in this hour of loss," she said.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of Agniveer Naveen Kumar. In a statement, he offered his condolences and prayed for peace for the departed soul, along with strength for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
The mortal remains of the martyr are expected to reach his native village on Thursday, where full military honors will be accorded during the last rites.
