‘Were expecting him home for his child’s birth’: Kin of soldier killed in Kulgam

Hailing from Jind’s Jajanwal village, Pradeep, 27, joined the Army in 2015 and was inducted in the Jat regiment. He subsequently became a Para Commando.

Balwan Singh, Pradeep’s father, recalled how his son made multiple attempts to get into the Army. “He tried twice earlier but could not make it. He did not give up and eventually got selected in the third attempt. He not only brought honour to us, his village but the entire nation. I am proud of my son,” he said.

Pradeep’s village was in mourning Sunday, as many remembered a man known for his gentle nature.

Jajanwal Sarpanch Janak Singh Nain said: “In his childhood, wherever Pradeep used to see soldiers in uniform, he would salute them on the way. He was an extremely social person and villagers loved him like their own son. Wearing Army’s uniform was always a passion for him.”

Pradeep’s uncle Mahender said: “We all are in acute shock. He last spoke with me a few weeks ago. Last time he came on vacation he stayed in Hisar. He went back on duty a few days ago”.

A retired Subedar, Jai Bhagwan, who knows Pradeep’s family and lives nearby, said the sarpanch had received a call from the Army about Pradeep’s death. “Pradeep had last spoken with his family members three days ago. He had told them that he would soon come back home on vacation,” he said.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed condolences to the bereaved family on X. “…His supreme sacrifice for Maa Bharati will always be a source of inspiration. I pray to God to… provide strength to the bereaved family…,” he said in a post in Hindi.

The encounter took place Saturday in Kulgam district, where militants opened fire on security forces conducting a search operation.

Pradeep’s uncle, Sushil Nain, said he had always wanted to join the Army. “He was expected by his family to come back home on vacation before the birth of his first child…”