A pall of grief has descended over Kallar village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district following the death of Havildar Mohd Iqbal, who was killed in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district while on duty with the Assam Rifles. The blast took place near the Shokhuvi area at around 2 pm on July 13 during an operational movement. According to officials, the explosion, suspected to have been triggered by an IED, targeted an Assam Rifles vehicle. Five others, including four security personnel and a civilian, sustained injuries in the incident. Havildar Iqbal, who was serving as an Army driver with the Assam Rifles in Nagaland, had resumed duty only a little over a month ago after spending time with his family during leave. His mortal remains are expected to reach his native village on Thursday, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.
Family members said the soldier had promised to return home in September to help with the annual grass-cutting season. Instead, they are now preparing for his final journey.Recalling their last conversation, Iqbal’s father, Choudhary Kalu, said the family had been eagerly waiting for his return. “He had promised to come home again in a couple of months to help us during the grass-cutting season,” he said.The soldier 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 both a personal tragedy and a national sacrifice. “He laid down his life in service of the nation. The entire village is in mourning. We are heartbroken, but proud that he made the supreme sacrifice for the country,” he said, while urging the authorities to extend all possible support to the bereaved family.
Neighbours, relatives and villagers gathered at the family home to offer condolences as preparations began for the soldier’s final rites. Following the incident, Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera paid tribute to the fallen soldier. In a statement, the force said, “All ranks of Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to Hav Mohd Iqbal, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and offer deep condolences to the family of our brave soldier.”
