Ashok Kumar (soldier)
Ashok Kumar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pakistan |
| Died | 2013 |
| Allegiance | Pakistan |
| Branch | Pakistan Army |
| Rank | Soldier |
| Conflicts | Insurgency in Waziristan |
| Awards | Tamgha-i-Shujaat |
Ashok Kumar was a Pakistani Hindu soldier who served in the Pakistan Army and was reported to have been killed during military operations in Waziristan in 2013.[1] He was posthumously awarded the civilian gallantry award Tamgha-i-Shujaat in recognition of his sacrifice.[2][3] He is considered as the first Pakistani Hindu who sacrificed his life in the Pakistan Army, as Hindus were not allowed to join the army before 2000.[4]
Military career
Kumar served as a soldier in the Pakistan Army and was deployed in operations against militants in the Waziristan region of northwest Pakistan.[5] He died in action in 2013 while performing his duties with the armed forces.[1]
Recognition
In March 2015, the Government of Pakistan conferred the Tamgha-i-Shujaat award on Ashok Kumar for his gallantry and sacrifice. His award has been mentioned in commentary about the participation and recognition of religious minorities in Pakistan's armed forces.[6]
Recognition dispute
After Ashok Kumar's death in 2013, a public discussion arose regarding why official statements did not refer to him as a shaheed, a term commonly used in Pakistan for soldiers killed in action. According to reports, he was instead referred to with the prefix late and awarded the civilian medal Tamgha‑i‑Shujaat.[7][5] Critics, including members of Pakistan's Hindu community and civil society commentators, argued that all soldiers should be equally recognized regardless of religion. The debate highlighted concerns about the recognition of religious minority personnel in the Pakistan Armed Forces and the use of traditional honorifics such as shaheed.[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b Dev, Kapil (23 June 2015). "Where should a Pakistani Hindu go?". Dawn. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "President confers civil, military awards on meritorious figures". The Nation. 24 March 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ Ali, Sarfraz (24 March 2015). "List of civil, military award recipients". Daily Pakistan. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ Dev, Kapil (24 June 2015). "I am a Hindu—and a proud Pakistani". Quartz. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Religious apartheid: Hindu Pakistani soldier denied 'shahadat' because of his religion". NewsGram. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ Dev, Kapil (24 June 2015). "We are proud Pakistani Hindus. Why are we treated like second-class citizens?". Scroll.in. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ a b Jillani, Mohsin (23 March 2015). "Remembering Forgotten Non-Muslim Martyrs and Veterans of Pakistan". Daily Times. Retrieved 8 January 2026.