The day on which Uttarakhand has bidden a tearful farewell to Major Chittresh Bisht, the news of another soldier attaining martyrdom in the Kashmir valley has deepened the gloom hanging over the State. It is learnt that Major Vibhuti Dhoundiyal, 31, a resident from Neshvilla Road Dehradun, was among the four army personnel martyred in an encounter with the terrorists at Pinglin near Pulwama on Monday morning. He was from 55 Rashtriya Rifles, it is learnt.
It is further learnt that the grandfather and the father of the martyr were in the Air Force. The major had got married in April 2018 and the last call made by him was to his wife two days ago. The wife of the major Nitika Dhoundiyal is currently working in Delhi. She reached Dehradun on hearing the news of the death. The mortal remains reached the Jolly Grant airport in the evening on Monday and thereafter it was taken to his home.
While expressing his anguish, the cousin of the martyred soldier, Ayushman Dhoundiyal expressed sorrow and said, ‘He used to come home and meet all of us whenever he had time. He was a very jolly and fun- loving person. The mother of Vibhuti is a heart patient and she is unaware of the news so far.’’
As soon as the news reached the family and spread across the city, a large number of people, including the relatives, the people’s representatives and the officials reached the home to condole the death with the grieving family.
Another Cousin of the martyred soldier Shailesh Dhyani said, “ Vibhuti was active in social work as well. The tragedy is that he was married last year. He was a very sensitive and large-hearted person. He endeared himself to everybody he came into contact with.”
Madhu Thapliyal, a neighbour of the family, said, “We never expected something like this could have happened. The kids of the family were friendly and helping, Vishu as Vibhuti was called was active both in studies and in helping others. His sisters taught my daughter and helped her in studies. The news plunged the neighbourhood into a deep grief. ”