Jammu, 18 April (H.S.): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the Dr Raj Kumar Thapa memorial museum and library, dedicated to the legacy of the additional district development commissioner, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.

Thapa lost his life on (May 10) last year when a Pakistani artillery shell hit his residential quarters in the border district during unprovoked shelling linked to Operation Sindoor. He is survived by his wife, a doctor, and their two children.

Paying tributes, the lieutenant governor recalled Thapa’s selfless service and unwavering commitment to public welfare, saying the memorial would serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come, an official spokesperson said.

A documentary highlighting Thapa’s life and service was also screened on the occasion, he said.

Family members of Thapa, along with senior officials of the security forces, police and civil administration, were present at the event.

A 2001-batch Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer, Thapa (54) was widely respected for his professional dedication and people-friendly approach.

He had been posted as ADDC Rajouri in March last year and played a key role in handling the situation in the Badhaal village, where 17 members of three families, including 13 children, died under mysterious circumstances after falling ill between December 7 and January 19.

Prior to his posting in Rajouri, he served as the officer on special Duty to former deputy chief minister Tara Chand from 2009 to 2014. He also held key positions, including the mission director of the Jammu and Kashmir Skill Development Mission and special secretary in the Labour and Employment Department.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar