Sirmaur mourns martyrdom of Lance Naik Manish Thakur

A pall of gloom has enveloped Baraban village in Sirmaur district following the tragic news of Lance Naik Manish Thakur’s martyrdom. The 27-year-old soldier of the Dogra Regiment lost his life on June 1 in a landslide near the Brigade Headquarters at Chatten in North Sikkim, while performing his duties under hazardous conditions.

Manish Thakur, son of Joginder Singh and Kiran Bala, had joined the Indian Army in September 2016. Known among peers for his discipline and quiet dedication, he served the nation with honour for over eight years. He is survived by his wife, Tanu Devi, and his grieving family in Baraban (Kolar) village, located in Nahan tehsil.

Confirming the heartbreaking news, Deputy Director of the Sainik Welfare Board, Sirmaur, Major (retd) Dhawan, said preparations are underway to bring the soldier home.

“We hope the mortal remains of the braveheart will reach Chandigarh by air this evening. From there, the body will be transported to Sirmaur by road with full military honours,” he stated.

He added: “Lance Naik Manish Thakur laid down his life in the line of duty. His supreme sacrifice will be remembered with pride. The Army, district administration and the Sainik Welfare Board stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.”

The final rites will be performed in the martyr’s native village with full military honours, in accordance with the Assured Decent Last Rites (ADLR) protocol. Subedar Dinesh Kumar has been designated to accompany the mortal remains and oversee the ceremony.

As Baraban awaits the arrival of its brave son, the entire district mourns yet another life lost in service to the nation — a reminder of the courage and commitment of those who guard our frontiers, even in the harshest of conditions.