36-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, Surendra Kumar, was killed in an early morning airstrike by Pakistan at the Udhampur airbase in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials confirmed.
Kumar, who served as an Assistant Medical Sergeant with the IAF, was posted at the 39th Wing of the Udhampur airbase. He hailed from Mandawa village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district.
Jhunjhunu District Collector Ramavatar Meena said, “Surendra Kumar was stationed at the 39th IAF Wing in Udhampur and lost his life during the attack in the early hours of Saturday. Upon receiving the tragic news, Superintendent of Police Sharad Chaudhary and I visited the family to inform them and extend support.”
Kumar had served in the armed forces for over 14 years. He had previously been posted in Lucknow and was transferred to Udhampur just two months ago. “When he last visited Jhunjhunu in April, he hosted a small gathering to celebrate his new home. He returned to his post on April 20 along with his wife Seema,” said his cousin Kuldeep Kumar Moga, a former Indian Army soldier.
Seema had recently returned to their native village, Balaria, following her grandfather’s passing 10 days ago. “She was planning to return to Udhampur soon, but no one could have imagined such a tragedy,” Kuldeep said.
Upon learning of her husband’s death, Seema collapsed and had to be rushed to the government hospital in Nawalgarh. She was discharged later in the evening after receiving primary care. The couple’s two children—Vartika (11) and Daksh (7)—are currently enrolled in local schools in Jhunjhunu.
“We trust the Indian government and believe Surendra’s sacrifice will not be in vain. The nation will give a fitting reply to this provocation,” Kuldeep added.
District officials confirmed that Kumar’s body will be brought back to Jhunjhunu by Sunday evening. Collector Meena offered his condolences and assured the family of all necessary government support, including financial assistance.
