Palwal Soldier Makes Ultimate Sacrifice: Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Killed In Pakistan's Cross-Border Shelling

The village of Mohammadpur in Haryana's Palwal district fell silent Wednesday as news arrived that one of their own, 32-year-old Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, had been killed during Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector.

Sharma, a father of two with another child on the way, died during intense cross-border artillery fire that followed India's "Operation Sindoor" – the precision strikes conducted against terrorist camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"He called home just three days ago," said his wife Seema, an advocate who is expecting their third child. Fighting back tears, she added, "He promised to video call the children this weekend. Now they'll grow up only seeing his photographs."

According to family members, Dinesh and four other soldiers were patrolling along the LoC when Pakistani forces unleashed a barrage of mortar shells. Army officials informed the family early Wednesday morning about his death.

A Family Tradition of Service

In Mohammadpur village, the Sharma family has built a legacy of military service. Dinesh was the eldest of five brothers, with two already following in his footsteps. "This is a family that bleeds for the nation," said village sarpanch Bhup Ram. "Two of Dinesh's younger brothers – Kapil and Hardut – recently joined as 'Agniveers.' His youngest brother Pushpender is still studying, while another brother Vishnu works their family farm."

Despite their overwhelming grief, Dinesh's father, Daya Ram Sharma, spoke with remarkable composure about his son's sacrifice. 

"He was recruited in 2014 and had recently been promoted to Lance Naik," the elder Sharma said. "The entire nation should be proud of him. His sacrifice will never be forgotten."

In a statement reflecting the deep military tradition in the family, the grieving father added that he would encourage his grandson to join the armed forces as well, "to carry forward his father's legacy." 

Village Mourns

Outside the Sharma household, neighbors gathered to offer condolences and support to the family. Many recalled Dinesh as a cheerful child who had always dreamed of joining the army.

"From his school days, he would tell everyone he wanted to wear the uniform," recalled Ramesh Chander, his former teacher. "He was disciplined and focused even as a boy. When he was selected, the entire village celebrated."

District officials have informed the family that Dinesh's body will arrive tomorrow, with last rites to be performed with full military honors.

"We are making arrangements for his final journey," said Bhup Ram. "The entire village will be present to bid farewell to our hero." 

Political and Military Tributes

As news of Lance Naik Sharma's death spread, tributes poured in from military and political leaders. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda posted on X (formerly Twitter): "I salute his martyrdom and offer deep condolences for the bereaved family in the hour of grief." The White Knight Corps, under which Dinesh served, also paid tribute: "#GOC and all ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps salute the supreme sacrifice of L/Nk Dinesh Kumar of 5 Fd Regt, who laid down his life on 07 May 25 during Pakistan Army shelling. We also stand in solidarity with all victims of the targeted attacks on innocent civilians in #Poonch Sector." 

Military sources indicated that Dinesh showed exceptional bravery during the shelling, helping to evacuate civilians from the area before he was hit by mortar fragments. 

Escalating Border Tensions 

The operation, which targeted nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, prompted a fierce response from Pakistani forces. The subsequent artillery barrage resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians in addition to Lance Naik Sharma. Security experts note that the border regions have seen fourteen consecutive days of ceasefire violations, but the intensity increased dramatically after India's operation. "What we're witnessing now is among the most sustained periods of cross-border shelling in years," said retired Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni, a former commander who served in the region. "Unfortunately, it's brave soldiers like Lance Naik Sharma and innocent civilians who pay the price."