TIRUPATI: A jawan from Reddyvaripalle in Irala mandal of Chittoor district was martyred in Sunday's encounter in Machil sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jawan Cheekala Praveen Kumar Reddy was among the three jawans and an army officer killed in one of the fiercest encounters in Jammu and Kashmir this year in which three terrorists were also neutralised.
A pall of gloom descended on Reddyvaripalle following the death of Praveen, 37, who was the only son of Prathap Reddy and Sugunamma. Inspired by many others, Praveen has joined the Indian Army 18 years ago in Madras Regiment-18. He is survived by a wife, an eight-year-old daughter and five-year-old son.
Praveen who used to visit his hometown during his holidays spent his time with friends and family members in a very jovial way, locals recalled, adding that the martyred jawan inspired many youngsters in the village and other areas in the mandal to join the defence services.
Praveen's family members were expecting him to visit his hometown for Sankranti in January next year.