20 October 2019 | A soldier remembered for his service and sacrifice
On 20 October 2019, Havildar Padam Bahadur Shrestha of 3/9 Gorkha Rifles made the supreme sacrifice while serving along the Line of Control in the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Havildar Shrestha joined the Indian Army in 2001 and served with the 3rd Battalion of the 9 Gorkha Rifles. His military service took him to the challenging forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where soldiers maintain constant vigilance along the country's borders.
In the early hours of 20 October 2019, Pakistani troops opened fire along the Line of Control in the Tangdhar sector. During the ceasefire violation, Havildar Shrestha sustained splinter injuries. He was evacuated to the Field Hospital at Tangdhar for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries.
On 21 October 2019, the Indian Army paid homage to Havildar Padam Bahadur Shrestha and Rifleman Gamil Kumar Shrestha at a wreath-laying ceremony at BB Cantt in Srinagar. Their fellow soldiers and representatives of other security agencies joined in paying tribute to the two personnel.
Havildar Padam Bahadur Shrestha devoted years of his life to military service. His supreme sacrifice remains a reminder of the risks faced by soldiers serving in forward areas and of their commitment to duty far from their homes and families.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Havildar Padam Bahadur Shrestha. His service and supreme sacrifice on 20 October 2019 will be remembered with respect and gratitude.
