Tribune Reporters

Mandi, April 6

A pall of gloom descended on Pueed village in the Kharahal valley of Kullu district as the body of martyred soldier Balkrishan (24) arrived at his native village today.

Balkrishan along with four other soldiers was martyred in a gun battle with terrorists in Kupwara district of north Kashmir yesterday.

The body of the martyr was brought here in an Army helicopter from Pathankot to the SASE helipad at Manali in Kullu district this afternoon.

From Manali, it was taken to Pueed village in an Army vehicle for cremation.

Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur, Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, former MP Maheshwar Singh, Kullu SDM Anurag Chander and a few relatives of the martyr were present at the cremation site.

The martyr is survived by his father Mahender Singh, mother Indira Devi, brother Kehar Singh and sister Sonika. He was cremated with full military honour.

The bereaved family was inconsolable. The Forest Minister said that the sacrifice of the martyr would be remembered forever. Meanwhile, the state government has announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the martyr. A relief of Rs 5 lakh was given the family on the spot.

Guard of honour for Subedar Sanjeev

Martyr Sanjeev Kumar, a native of Dehra in Bilaspur district

Hamirpur: Subedar Sanjeev Kumar, who was martyred in a gunfight while foiling a major infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara forests of North Kashmir, was cremated with full state honours at his native village Dehra in Ghumarwin subdivision of Bilaspur district today.

The pyre was lit by his son. Contingents of the Army and the police presented a guard of honour to the martyr. Martyr Sanjeev Kumar was a special para commando in the core para unit of the Army.

He was the only son. He is survived by his wife and a 13-year-old son.

The body of the martyr was airlifted to the Spari helipad at Jwalamukhi and then brought to his native village Dehra by road.

Shashi Sharma, SDM, Ghumarwin, represented the state government at the last rites. He said an immediate relief of Rs 5 lakh had been released to the family of the martyr.