J&K: Slain CRPF officer had rushed to fight militants after unfurling tricolour

43-year-old Kumar, a Commanding Officer of the 49 battalion, died after sustaining a bullet injury on his head.

Srinagar/Jamtara: CRPF commandant Pramod Kumar had led the Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar on Monday and unfurled the national flag, but unfortunately an hour later he died fighting militants in J&K’s Nowhatta area. Two terrorists were also killed in the encounter.

The last rites of Pramod Kumar was organised in his hometown in Jharkhand's Jamtara.

Kumar, who is survived by his wife Neha and 7-year-old daughter Aarna, was also given a gun salute.

43-year-old Kumar, a Commanding Officer of the 49 battalion, died after sustaining a bullet injury on his head.

WATCH: CRPF Commandant Pramod Kumar unfurled tricolour in Srinagar y'day, was shot dead by terrorists an hour later.https://t.co/HBjfPSaV88

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Kumar had spoken to his wife Neha on Sunday night, which turned out to be his last call to her. -"Whenever he spoke about the country, he told me he wants to make a difference. Our six-year-old daughter Aarna is learning dance. He told me he will watch her dance videos. Now, how will he watch them I don't know what I will do without him,-" Neha was quoted as saying.

On Monday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had expressed concern over Kumar’s death saying, -"CRPF commanding officer Pramod Kumar fought valiantly when attacked by terrorists in Srinagar today. I am deeply pained at his death,-" he said in a statement.

Saluting the CRPF officer for his valour and supreme sacrifice, Singh said Kumar served the nation till his last breath. -"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,-" he said.

Eight security personnel were injured, as the militants opened fire at a CRPF patrol around 8 in the morning near the Naqshband Sahib shrine in the city's Nowhatta area on Monday.

(This article first appeared in Deccan Chronicle)