Shimla, May 11 -- Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, a junior commissioned officer from Shahpur in Himachal's Kangra district who was killed Poonch, was to retire in August this year, his father says.

His father, Garaj Singh, retired as a havildar from the army and says his son has been immortalised through his sacrifice. Pawan Kumar was posted with 25 Punjab regiment.

A pall of gloom descended soon after the news of his supreme sacrifice reached the area.

Kangra district authorities informed the family that Pawan Kumar's body was being taken to Rajouri for a postmortem and will be brought to Shahpur via road after completion of legal authorities.

Garaj Singh said, "I am proud that my son laid down his life for the nation. Wo amar ho gaya hai...