Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed his profound sorrow following the death of a Jammu and Kashmir official who tragically lost his life due to shelling from Pakistan across the Line of Control.
In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook today, Chief Minister Tamang conveyed his deepest respects for Raj Kumar Thapa, an official whose life was cut short when his official residence in the Rajouri region of Jammu was struck by mortar shells fired from across the border.
Chief Minister Tamang stated that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of the dedicated Jammu and Kashmir official, who was among five individuals killed in the intense shelling that also affected the Poonch and Jammu districts earlier today, according to official reports.
Describing the deceased as a distinguished and upright public servant, Chief Minister Tamang lauded Thapa’s unwavering commitment, integrity, and tireless service to the people. He emphasized that Thapa’s passing represents a significant loss not only for his family and colleagues but also for the entire Gorkha community and the nation as a whole.
Extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside Thapa, the Sikkim Chief Minister offered his prayers for strength and solace during this period of profound grief.
Chief Minister Tamang also firmly condemned the unfortunate act of cross-border shelling, asserting that attacks on civilians and officials are deeply concerning and unacceptable. He affirmed Sikkim’s unwavering commitment to peace and justice in the face of such violence.
Reports indicate that Raj Kumar Thapa, who served as the additional district development commissioner for Rajouri, sustained critical injuries along with two of his staff members when an artillery shell struck his official residence in Rajouri town. Despite being rushed to the Government Medical College, Thapa succumbed to his injuries.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his grief in a post on X, describing the news from Rajouri as devastating and lamenting the loss of a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services, recalling Thapa’s recent official duties.