A heart-wrenching scene unfolded in Thaimgarang in Himachal’s Kinnaur district on Thursday morning as the mortal remains of Naik Pushpendra Negi (29), who lost his life while on duty in Assam, reached his village.
The body was kept briefly in the village for loved ones and fellow villagers to pay their last respects. His final journey began soon after, with people walking alongside, chanting “Shaheed Pushpendra Negi Amar Rahe.”
Pushpendra’s wife, Kirti, broke down as she hugged the coffin and gave a final salute to her husband before the funeral. Their six-year-old son, Etik, kept asking about his father. The scene was deeply emotional as Pushpendra’s parents, Mahendra Negi and Sarla Devi, sat quietly in grief, surrounded by relatives and villagers who came from nearby areas. His last rites were performed with full state and military honours.
Pushpendra was posted in Assam and was serving in the 19 Dogra Regiment. On Monday, while on duty, a storm struck and a heavy tree branch fell on him. He couldn’t survive the injuries. His death has left his village, and all of Kinnaur, in mourning.
Due to bad weather, it took time to bring his body back. From Assam, it was first flown to Delhi, then Chandigarh, and finally brought by road to Thaimgarang. His body reached the village around 10 am on Thursday.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri expressed condolences on Niak Negi’s death. “Himachal is proud of its brave son,” said the CM. “His sacrifice will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.”
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