Muzzafarnagar (Uttar Pradesh): A pall of gloom descended on the family of Prashant Sharma, who who was killed in a gunbattle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday. Three militants were also gunned down in the battle.
The 23-year-old soldier from Balia district joined the Indian Army three years ago.
"One soldier who was critically injured has succumbed to his injuries in an encounter that started last night in Zadoora area of Pulwama. Joint operation in progress," said Srinagar-based Defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia.
"We received news of his demise Saturday morning from army headquarters. We couldn't believe it. He was set to marry on December 6 and preparations had begun. He is survived by his three elder sisters, "said Prashant's elder brother Nishant.
"The authorities have informed us that his mortal remains will reach Muzzafarnagar tomorrow morning. He will be cremated with full state honours and his brother will lit the pyre.
The fight with militants started when army troops started searching for armed fighters in the area following a tip-off.
READ: Three terrorists, soldier killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama
