Havildar Mohd Iqbal, posted in Nagaland, had promised to return to his border village of Kallar in Poonch district in September for the annual grass-cutting season. Instead, his family is preparing to receive his mortal remains after he was killed in a terrorist attack.
Iqbal died in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district on Monday. Five others — four security personnel and a civilian — were injured in the explosion near Shokhuvi at around 2 pm. The blast reportedly targeted an Assam Rifles vehicle during an operational movement.
“Iqbal, who served as an Army driver, had rejoined duty a little over a month ago after spending time with the family on leave. He had promised to return in a couple of months to help us during the annual grass-cutting season,” said his elderly father, Choudhary Kalu, struggling to hold back tears.
Instead of welcoming him home, the family is now preparing for his final journey. His body is expected to reach his native village on Thursday, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.
Iqbal is survived by his wife and three sons. His eldest son is studying in Class 12, while the younger two are in Classes 8 and 6. Relatives remembered him as a devoted husband and father, a dutiful son and a committed soldier who served the nation with dedication.
Former village sarpanch Noor Mohammad, who is also Iqbal’s uncle, described the loss as deeply personal. “He sacrificed his life in service of the country. The entire village is mourning, and the whole Mendhar sector stands with the family in this hour of grief,” he said.
“He was my nephew, so this is not only the village’s loss but also our family’s loss. We are heartbroken, but we thank Almighty Allah that he laid down his life in service of the nation.”
He appealed to the Army and the civil administration to extend all possible support to the bereaved family and ensure that the soldier’s mortal remains are brought home without delay so the last rites can be performed in his native village.
Neighbours and relatives gathered at the family’s home to console Iqbal’s wife and children.
Following the incident, Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera expressed condolences to the family.
“Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, and all ranks of Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to Hav Mohd Iqbal, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Nagaland today (Monday), and offer deep condolences to the family of our brave soldier,” the force said in a post on X.