The Indian Army paid solemn tribute to Naik Ajay Kumar of 1 PARA (Special Forces) in Akhnoor on 04 September 2026, following his death during a training exercise at Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar district of Haryana.


A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Rakh Muthi in the Akhnoor area, where Brigadier R Shankar, Commander of the Manawar Yoddha Brigade, laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the fallen soldier and paid his respects. The ceremony was marked by a deep sense of grief and respect for a Special Forces soldier who lost his life while serving the nation.

Naik Ajay Kumar was a resident of Nood in the Nai Basti area of Akhnoor. His mortal remains were brought back to his native place by helicopter on Friday, where his family, relatives, fellow villagers and local residents gathered to pay their final respects. The gathering reflected the deep respect and affection with which the soldier was remembered by his community.

The Training Exercise at Hathnikund

Naik Ajay Kumar was taking part in a watermanship training exercise at Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar. The training was part of the demanding preparation undertaken by personnel of 1 PARA (Special Forces), where soldiers are required to operate confidently in challenging environments and under difficult conditions.

During the exercise, an Army boat carrying the personnel encountered a technical problem and was caught in the strong current of the Yamuna. The boat eventually capsized, resulting in two soldiers going missing. A large search and rescue operation was launched involving the Army and other agencies.

After an extensive search, Naik Ajay Kumar's body was recovered downstream and brought back to Jammu. His return to Akhnoor was followed by the solemn wreath-laying ceremony, where Army personnel and civilians came together to honour his service and sacrifice.

The loss of a soldier is felt most deeply by the family he leaves behind, but the sacrifice of a member of the Special Forces is also mourned by the wider military fraternity. Naik Ajay Kumar served in 1 PARA (Special Forces), a unit whose soldiers undertake some of the most demanding responsibilities in the Indian Army.

The people of Akhnoor stood alongside his family as the mortal remains of their brave son returned home. Their presence was a tribute to a soldier who dedicated himself to the nation and made the supreme sacrifice while carrying out his military duties.

The Honour Post pays its respects to Naik Ajay Kumar and remembers his service, dedication and sacrifice. His name will remain part of the proud legacy of the soldiers who serve the nation in uniform.

Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳

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Army pays homage to Naik Ajay Kumar of 1 PARA (Special Forces), who made the supreme sacrifice during training at Hathnikund Barrage.