Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar martyred in Pakistan shelling after Op Sindoor strikes PoK; 4 others injured

Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, 32, from Palwal, Haryana, was killed in Pakistan’s shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on May 7, 2025, two days after India launched Operation Sindoor. Sharma was part of the 5 Field Regiment, stationed at the Poonch Rajouri border in the artillery division. The attack was part of an ongoing series of cross-border skirmishes, which escalated after India’s airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir aimed at terror infrastructure.

Pakistan began shelling on May 6, targeting both civilian and military zones across the LoC, which intensified on May 7 and continued into the night of May 7-8. The shelling resulted in the martyrdom of Sharma, who sustained a neck injury from mortar fire. While receiving treatment for his injuries, Sharma succumbed to his wounds. His death, along with the injuries sustained by four other soldiers, has deeply impacted his family and the local community. Sharma’s sacrifice was acknowledged by the Indian Army, with an official statement confirming his passing and paying tribute to his bravery.

Sharma was the eldest of five siblings in a military family, with two of his brothers and several cousins also serving in the armed forces. He is survived by his wife, who is expecting their third child, a daughter aged seven, and a son aged five. His father, Daya Ram Sharma, expressed immense pride in his son’s sacrifice and mentioned his intention to continue the family’s tradition of military service by encouraging his grandchildren to join the army. Daya Ram also highlighted that his other sons, Kapil and Hardatt, are serving in Jammu and Kashmir and Bhopal.

The Pakistan Army’s shelling, which began in the evening of May 6, affected several border areas including Poonch, Tangdhar, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Uri. The unprovoked artillery fire destroyed homes and caused significant damage in these regions. The civilian impact of the shelling was severe, with 15 confirmed deaths, including four children, and 43 injuries, according to local authorities. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes in search of safety, while others sought shelter in nearby areas as the situation escalated. The shelling continued through the night, prompting an Indian military response.

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have led to increased instability along the border. India’s Operation Sindoor, launched to target terrorist cells responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack, remains a focal point of military and diplomatic developments. Despite the ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the Indian Army has reiterated its commitment to responding proportionally to any threats along the LoC. The final rites of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma will be held with full state honors in his native village on Thursday. His death serves as a reminder of the continuous risks faced by military personnel stationed in volatile regions.