Tragedy struck in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, as 29-year-old Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas was killed in an IED blast near the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday. Just two weeks prior, he had returned to his Army camp after attending his engagement ceremony, with his wedding planned for April. His family was celebrating what they anticipated to be a joyous new chapter in their lives.
Manhas and Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi from Jharkhand lost their lives while on patrol duty near a forward post in the Bhattal area of Akhnoor around 3:50 PM. Manhas had re-joined his unit on January 28, following a two-week leave.
The atmosphere in Bri Kamila village was solemn as Manhas’s body was brought home for final respects. Locals remembered him as an aspiring cricketer who selflessly contributed to his community, including efforts to prepare a cricket pitch for local youth.
His father, Chagatar Singh, a retired police officer, shared that Manhas had proudly served in Siachen, Kashmir, and Punjab before his assignment in Jammu’s Akhnoor. Singh emphasized that his son had a profound commitment to serving the nation from a young age, having dedicated over nine years to the Army.
Manhas was set to marry on April 20 and leaves behind two married sisters. Community members echoed sentiments of loss, noting that he motivated local youth to engage in sports and lead healthy lifestyles. “We have lost a true gem. The enemy lacks the courage to confront our brave soldiers, and we trust that our forces will respond appropriately to honor the sacrifices of our martyrs,” stated a villager.
