Heroes of Handwara get final farewell with full military honours; Country pays tribute

 

In a huge loss to India’s defence forces, some of its brave hearts on Sunday lost their lives, combating terrorists in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. Later on Monday, in less than 48 hrs of the first operation, three more CRPF personnel lost their lives in the fierce anti-terror gunbattle in Qazibad area of Handwara. While the army and CRPF bade a final farewell to its gallant fighters on Monday, the entire country bowed down before the martyred soldiers with moist eyes, saluting their supreme sacrifice for the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The mortal remains of the martyrs were taken for last rites to their native place, where they would be laid to rest with full military honors. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well-being”, an official statement said.

 

 

 

 

The army personnel martyred on Sunday included a colonel, two major rank officers of 21 Rashtriya Rifles and two Jawans, who as soldiers once again proved their commitment for the nation’s interest over their own. On their last journey, the heroes got paid tribute by each and every one across the country with teary-eyes and a heavy heart.

 

 

 

 

In its three decades of combating terrorism, the 21 Rashtriya Rifles, on Sunday lost its 2nd Commanding Officer on the line of duty when twice-decorated Colonel Ashutosh Sharma while rescuing civilians held hostage, gave away his life. The battalion had lost its first CO, Colonel Rajinder Chauhan, in 2000.

 

 

 

 

The hour of grief but huge pride; the entire nation stands in solidarity with the families of martyrs, ‘the sacrifice won’t be forgotten’

 

 

 

 

 

Young Martyrs, Col. Ashutosh Sharma, Major Anuj Sood, Naik Rajesh Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Singh, and J&K Police Sub Inspector Sageer Pathan are all survived by families, who are taking pride in having sacrificed their brave sons on the country than being broken by such huge losses.

 

 

Col Ashutosh Sharma, 44, was cremated in Jaipur on Tuesday morning. His wife Pallavi Sharma, daughter and brother lit the funeral pyre at a cremation ground in the presence of other family members and Army officers. Col Sharma had joined the army in 2002, a recipient of Sena Medal twice as a CO in Kashmir, a rare feat, he was remembered by his colleagues and seniors as the most cordial officer, one who liked to spend time with his Jawans as well.

 

 

 

 

 

A 30 yr old Major Anuj Sood’s mortal remains arrived from Srinagar on Monday afternoon and were consigned to flames with full military honors on Tuesday, in the presence of senior Army officers and his family including his wife, father and sister, who too is an Army officer. A newly married Major Sood had reported to duty two years back and had promised to visit his family on May 3, when lockdown 2.0 ended. However, since the destiny had other plans, only his mortal remains were brought to his home in Panchkula, draped in national flag. His proud father, Brigadier (retd.) Chandrakant Sood feels Anuj gave the biggest sacrifice for his motherland and he is extremely proud of his son, although the news of his son's death has left him shocked.

 

 

 

 

Naik Rajesh Kumar, 29 yrs, too was cremated on Monday evening with full military honors at his home in Punjab’s Mansa. He had joined the army in 2010. The entire village is proud of their brave son as is his father Ram Kumar.

 

 

24 yrs old L/Nk Dinesh Singh, who had promised his parents to return home soon, only left them too soon with a broken promise, having chosen the country over family. An enthusiastic Dinesh had joined the army in 2015 and belonged to Uttarakhand’s Almora. His father Godhan Singh and mother Tulsi devi are inconsolable ever since they have come to know of losing their only son. They wanted to marry him off and had been preparing for the same as soon as he returned. But fate had other plans.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the three CRPF personnel of 92 Battalion who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Handwara of J&K, have too left their families mourning, yet filled with true pride.

 

 

Captain Ashwani Kumar Yadav from UP, C Chandrasekar from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and Santosh Kumar Mishra from Bihar attained martyrdom in hours-long encounter with terrorists and the country is paying them a last tribute for their selfless duty and sacrifice.

 

 

 

 

 

Captain Ashwani Kumar from Ghazipur, UP, was eldest of three brothers, he was married only 6 yrs back and is survived by wife Anshu devi and two kids. Proud of their brother’s supreme sacrifice, his brothers too want to join the army. Though mournful, his entire village is proud of their brave son who laid down his life guarding the nation.

 

 

Another martyr Santosh Kumar Mishra’s mortal remains that will reach his native place in Aurangabad today are to be laid to rest with full state honors, announced the CM Nitish Kumar. Santosh is survived by his wife and an infant son. Only a few hours before his death, he had spoken to his family speaking of his well-being, today, however, the entire country is saluting the brave son of Bihar who has left for his final journey while serving his motherland.