Vikky Pahade, Martyred In Poonch Ambush, Was To Return Home For Son's Birthday In 3 Days

New Delhi: The country is in deep shock and grief over the terror attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch that killed one and injured five others. The forces have launched a massive search operation in the region to nab the terrorist who executed the cowardly attack.

IAF soldier Corporal Vicky Pahade had gotten injured in return firing after terrorists attacked the convoy. He later succumbed to injuries. He was supposed to return home for his son's birthday on May 7, however, he attained martyrdom three days before his planned visit.

Who Was Corporal Vikky Pahade

Corporal Vicky Pahade hailed from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district and was a resident of Nonia-Karbal village. He had visited his family last month to attend his sister's wedding and had joined the unit on April 18, IANS reported citing local residents.

He was set to return home on May 7 for his son's birthday. 33-year-old Pahade had joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2011. He is survived by his five-year-old son, wife, mother and three sisters, the report added.

The Indian Air Force saluted his supreme sacrifice in Poonch during an ambush with terrorists. "The CAS Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari and all personnel of the Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief," the IAF said in a post on X.

The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari & all personnel of Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation.
Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in… pic.twitter.com/xlFmbqZyix

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 5, 2024

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Kamal Nath, also expressed gried and said: "I salute the martyrdom of Vicky Pahade, a resident of Nonia-Karbal, Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, and pay my tribute to the immortal martyr."