STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: The Jawan who sacrificed his life for nation’s pride while fighting against terrorists in Bandipora encounter was on Wednesday cremated will military honours at his native village in Sarore area of Samba district. Rifleman Ravi Kumar of village Meen Sarkar Tabela, Sarore Adda, district Samba, was among four soldiers, including a Major, who attained martyrdom in fierce gun battle in Parray Mohalla of Hajin.
Pal of gloom gripped the native village of the Jawan when his body reached this village.
People from all walks of life, attended the funeral of the martyred Rifleman Ravi Kumar.
According to relatives, the Jawan had spoken to his family on telephone three days back.
He had to visit home on February 18 to attend a marriage function besides getting his three-year-old daughter’s admission in the school, the relatives said. Rifleman Kumar joined Indian Army in 2003 in JAK Rifle 14 and was deployed with 31 Rashtriya Rifles. Before being deployed in Rashtriya Rifles, he served at Siachen Glacier.
The martyr is survived by father, wife Esha Devi, daughter Rusani Ratta and brother Kavi Kumar. Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh expressed solidarity with the families of four soldiers including an Army Major killed in an encounter with militants at Hajin in north Kashmir. In his condolence message, Deputy Chief Minister prayed for peace to the departed souls and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also expressed solidarity with the family of soldier Ravi Kumar a resident of Samba who also attained martyrdom while fighting militants at Hajin. Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash paid floral tributes to Rifleman Ravi Kumar.
The Minister received the mortal remains of the soldier after being accorded guard of honour at the Jammu Technical Airport. Ganga also met family members of the Jawan, survived by wife Esha Devi and three year old daughter Rusani Ratta and consoled them. A pal of gloom descended on the village where large number of people had gathered to express solidarity with the family of martyred soldier. The Minister said that the act of bravery and sacrifice by the soldiers in protecting the borders and citizens of the nation cannot be described in words. He assured that the government shall look after the family members of martyrs and provide them due support. Later, the Minister also attended cremation of the soldier which was attended by a large number of locals and senior officials at his ancestral village.
Meanwhile top officers from police and army hierarchy also attended the cremation and paid tributes to the martyred soldier.
