Jammu and Kashmir martyr cremated with state honours

AMRITSAR: Emotionally Charged Villagers Raise Anti-Pak Slogans
Mortal remains of Havildar Madan Lal of the Dogra Regiment, who laid down his life in a gun battle in Naugamsector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir on September 20, were cremated at his native village Gharota in Pathankot district with full state honours on Thursday .People from all walks of life came to pay their respects to the martyr.Anger against Pakistan was palpable in the air.
On seeing Lal's body wrapped in the Tricolour, the villagers started raising slogans denouncing Pakistan. They also praised the brave son, who had sacrificed his life while defending the nation's frontiers.
His inconsolable mother Dharmo Devi and wife Bhawna Sharma stood in shock when the body arrived while his children Shweta and Kannav were trying to understand what was happening around them. Dharmo also gave shoulder to her son's bier.
Army personnel gave a gun salute with the bugle as the martyr's son and nephew lit the funeral pyre.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Pathankot deputy commissioner Amit Kumar, senior superintendent of police Rakesh Kushal, commanding officer of Havildar Madan Lal's unit Colonel Vijay Panday , Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Sharma and Subedar Satpal Singh.
Meanwhile, Army officials have assured the family of the martyr that dues would be provided to them within 15 days. Shaheed Sainik Parivar Suraksha Samiti general secretary Kunwar Ravinder Singh Vicky appealed to the administration to erect a memorial in the memory of martyr Havildar Madan Lal in the village.