NEW DELHI: In view of the ongoing protests by the Jat community in Haryana over the reservation issue, the Army has appealed to the people of the disturbed State to extend full support for the last rites of Captain Pawan Kumar, who was killed on February 21 at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir while fighting terrorists.
The 23-year-old officer of 10 Para regiment of elite Special Forces was from Jind district in Haryana.
In a statement, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence Col S D Goswami called for a befitting farewell to the brave son of Haryana. “The officer 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 officer will be transported by air to Jind on Monday as the road traffic is disrupted due to the law and order situation in the State.
“The last rites with full military honours are being planned by the Army and State administration at his village tomorrow (Monday). The Army appeals to the people of Haryana to extend their full support in giving a befitting farewell to this brave son of their soil,” Col Goswami said. Captain Pawan Kummar was killed during the fight against the militants holed up inside a government building in Pampore area on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. “I had only one child and I gave him to the Army, to the nation. No father can be prouder,” Captain Pawan’s father Rajbir Singh was quoted as saying.
‘No Quota, No Azadi, Just Razai’
New Delhi: For Captain Pawan Kumar, a Jat and a JNU degree holder, all that mattered was love for the country and not calls of “azadi” on the campus or reservation demand by his community members in Haryana. “Kisiko reservation chahiye to kisiko azadi bhai. Humein kuchh nahin chahiye bhai. Bas apni razai (Some want reservation and some independence, I don’t want anything, brother, I want only my quilt).” The 23-year-old captain, who laid down his life fighting terrorists said in a Facebook post.