Sirmaur’s braveheart dies in Anantnag encounter

Our Correspondent

Nahan, August 11

Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, 26, from Palu village in Rajgarh subdivision of Sirmaur district lost his life after an encounter broke out with the terrorists in the dense forests of Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday afternoon.

Praveen served in 1 Para Special Force, which is known for its expertise in undertaking the most dangerous operations.

The Indian Army delivered the devastating news to his family yesterday evening. Even the district administration reached out to Praveen’s family. The entire Palu village plunged into collective grief after hearing about the demise of a braveheart.

Efforts to retrieve the body from the dense forest was initiated on Saturday. The Army informed the authorities that Praveen’s body would be airlifted to Chandigarh on Monday and from there it would be sent to his ancestral village for the last rites.

Praveen was a descendant of a freedom fighter who participated in the Pajhota Movement against the Britishers in Sirmaur.

Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta said the Army had already informed the family. Praveen’s last rites would be conducted with military and state honours at Palu village.

The state government and local representatives have expressed their deepest condolences to the family and offered support.

Praveen’s parents — Rekha Sharma and Rajesh Sharma — were preparing for his wedding, which was just a few months away.