Bivek Mathur
SAMBA, Nov 19: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan and son of soil, Joginder Kumar, who attained martyrdom in a Naxalite attack in Chhattisgarh on Friday, was cremated with full military honours in his native village, Abatal Katalan, in this district today.
42-year-old Kumar’s mortal remains arrived at Main Chowk Samba district at 10:45 pm on Saturday from where a Tiranga Yatra, led by hundreds of people including patriotic youths, conveyed his body to Abatal Katlan village in Sadoh Panchayat near the International Border. The heartfelt procession resonated with patriotic slogans, honoring the sacrifice of the fallen jawan.
Originally posted in Arunachal Pradesh, Joginder Kumar had been deployed for election duty in Chhattisgarh. Tragically, during the second phase of polling, he lost his life to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites in Bade Gobra village.
The wreath-laying ceremony in Samba district was attended by dignitaries including Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, SSP Benam Tosh, former MLA Yashpal Kundal, BJP leader Subash Bhagat and representatives from various political parties. The ITBP contingent also paid their respects with a guard of honor and a gunfire salute.
Joginder Kumar’s native village witnessed a large gathering as people came together to bid their final farewell. Amidst the poignant moments, his 9-year-old son performed the last rites.
Notably, Kumar hailed from a family with a strong military background – his father and elder brother retired from the Army, while his two younger brothers continue to serve in the ITBP and Central Industrial Security Force.
Expressing solidarity, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma stated, “we stand with his family at this hour of grief and will ensure all necessary support from the district administration.”
Commandant of the 47th Battalion ITBP, Rakesh Kumar, described Joginder Kumar as a brave and dedicated member of the force.
Assuring support to the bereaved family, he affirmed, “ITBP has a tradition to look after the families of the fallen jawans. We stand with Kumar’s family and ensure that they are properly rehabilitated,” emphasizing that the investigation into the attack is underway, and those responsible will face consequences.
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