Sir — This refers to the martyrdom of Colonel MN Rai, who laid down his life while fighting militants. He had been awarded a Gallantry Medal just a day before on Republic Day. From all accounts, he had always led from the front and had changed the ground situation in the region he was stationed. It is disgusting that separatist leaders of Jammu & Kashmir like Syed Ali Shah Geelani should have praised the terrorists instead of the brave Indian soldier.