The mortal remains of the martyr Vikas Gurung from the Gurkha Regiment who was killed while fighting terrorists in Naushewra sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday were consigned to flames with full state honour in Rishikesh on Monday in accordance with both the Buddhist and the Hindu customs. He hailed from Gumaniwala in Rishikesh. Among those present when the last rites were performed of the martyr included the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and the Speaker of the State Assembly Prem Chand Agarwal. Notably, Gurung had joined Indian army at the age of 18.
The father of the martyr S S Gurung who is a retired army man broke down while performing the post-death rituals for his son. He said that he has lost one of his sons while fighting for the nation in the army while he has another son NIranjan who is still serving in the army. “Ours is a family dedicated to the nation. However, the time has come for India to act decisively. Or else she would keep losing her brave hearts continuously,” he said while holding back tears.
Meanwhile, Purnanand Ghat of Muni ki Reti in Rishikesh saw a large number of mourners on Monday. The air thick with poignancy reverberated with ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ and ‘Vikas tera balidan nahin jayega vyarth’ as the pyre was lighted amidst chanting of mantras