Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Havildar Mohd Iqbal of the Assam Rifles died Monday, July 13, following an improvised explosive device blast in Nagaland. The explosion struck his vehicle near Shokhuvi during an operational movement in Chumoukedima district. Four other personnel and one civilian sustained injuries in the attack. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident yet.
Security forces are currently scouring the area to find those responsible. Iqbal’s remains head to his native Kallar Mohra village in the Mendhar sector of the Poonch district. He will receive full military honors Thursday. The soldier leaves behind a wife and three sons currently enrolled in classes 12, 8, and 6.
Iqbal returned to his post only one month ago. He planned to visit home again this September for the seasonal grass harvest. His father, Choudhary Kalu, noted that his son had promised to return to assist with farm work. Noor Mohammad, the former village sarpanch and the soldier’s uncle, spoke on the loss. "He sacrificed his life in the service of the nation. The whole village and the entire Mendhar sector stand with the family in this hour of grief," he said.
Assam Rifles Director General Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera expressed the force's commitment to the family. Officials confirmed the military intends to support the grieving relatives throughout this process. Friends and neighbors gathered at the family home to offer support while the military prepares for the final rites.
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