Jind: Army Havildar Naresh Lather, 42, from Shadipur village in Haryana’s Jind district, who died of a heart attack while posted in Leh-Ladakh, was cremated with full military honours on Thursday. He had been due for promotion to Naib Subedar in the coming months.His remains were brought to his native village on Thursday. A bike rally was organised from neighbouring Brahmanwas village to Shadipur to pay tribute to the soldier.Naresh is survived by his wife Preeti, daughter Chahat (15), and son Armaan (13). Chahat studies in Class XI and Armaan in Class IX.Naresh last spoke to his family on Tuesday and told them he would return home within 15 days to meet his ailing uncle, Jaikaran. He had also applied for leave and booked a ticket for Nov 15.His cousin Narender said Naresh spoke to his family almost every day and had recently returned to duty after spending a month on leave. On Nov 3, he spoke to his elder brother Dinesh about his impending promotion, his decision to withdraw his voluntary retirement application and plans to visit home.His uncle Dharmbir Lather said Naresh had applied for voluntary retirement and could have left the Army within two months if his application had been accepted. However, Army officials advised him to continue serving, assuring him of promotion to naib subedar within a few months. He subsequently withdrew his application.Naresh joined the Army in 2004 and had served for more than two decades. His father, Satbir, died around eight years ago. Naresh was the youngest of three siblings. His elder brother Dinesh is engaged in farming and business.
