The border village of Kallar in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district is grieving the loss of Havildar Mohd Iqbal, who was killed in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district while serving with the Assam Rifles.
The blast took place near the Shokhuvi area at around 2 pm on July 13 during an operational movement and is believed to have targeted an Assam Rifles vehicle. Five others, including four security personnel and a civilian, sustained injuries in the incident.
Iqbal, who was serving as a driver and posted in Nagaland, had resumed duty a little over a month ago after spending time with his family on leave. According to his relatives, he had assured them that he would return home in September to help during the family’s annual grass-cutting season.
Instead of welcoming him back home, the family is now preparing for his final journey. His mortal remains are expected to arrive at his native village on Thursday, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.
Remembering his son’s last conversation, Iqbal’s father, Choudhary Kalu, said the family had been looking forward to his return. Holding back tears, he recalled that his son had promised to come home in a few months to assist the family during the grass-cutting season.
Havildar Iqbal is survived by his wife and three sons, who are studying in Classes 12, 8 and 6.
Former village sarpanch Noor Mohammad, who is also Iqbal’s uncle, described the loss as a tragedy for both the family and the nation. He said the entire village was mourning the death of the soldier and expressed pride in his sacrifice while urging the authorities to extend every possible support to the bereaved family.
As news of his death spread, relatives, neighbours and villagers gathered at the family home to offer condolences ahead of the soldier’s final rites.
Following the attack, Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera paid tribute to Havildar Iqbal. In a statement, the force said all ranks of the Assam Rifles paid solemn tribute to the soldier who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and conveyed their deepest condolences to his family.
