The mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal, killed on Wednesday in a gun battle with tribal militants in Manipur, were consigned to flames on Friday with full military and State honours at his village in Haryana.
The Haryana Government has decided to give an ex-gratia of Rs50 lakh and a Government job to a member the family of martyr Major Deswal of Surheti village in Jhajjar district, who laid down his life fighting the militants in Manipur.
Speaking Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, OP Dhankar, said in Jhajjar that the State Government was committed to honouring such brave soldiers and look after the well-being of their dependents. The brave soldiers of Haryana never cared for their lives while protecting the country and discharging their duties, he said.
“We are proud of martyr Major Amit Deswal. The State Government salutes his martyrdom, and has full sympathy with the bereaved family”, Dhankar added. Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles died fighting militants in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on April 13.
His body arrived on Friday at the technical area of Palam airport in Delhi, and after a wreath-laying ceremony, it was moved to the Major’s Surheti village. It was a sad and proud last farewell for Major Deswal. Family members, relatives and hundreds of residents, including politicians, officials, social workers, said they were saddened by the death of young officer. But they were also proud of the braveheart’s “martyrdom”.
Full military honours and a gun salute were given to Major Deswal. One of the military officers at the funeral said the braveheart breathed his last in the true traditions of a warrior. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006, into the Regiment of Artillery.
After basic service, Deswal recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces.