A journey to last rite

Oct 04 : Major Vinay and Major Raghuraman lost their lives in an encounter with the militant

In the midst of sounds of gun shots and mortars in Kashmir Valley, India lost many of her sons, who stood to guard the country.

In a similar effort Major K P Vinay and Major Dinesh Raghuraman of Rashtriya Rifles lost their lives in an encounter with militants on Monday night in Tangmarg after militants crossed the Line of Control.

The militants were hiding in Ringwari, a hamlet near Tangmarg. They are believed to have crossed the LoC through adjoining Gulmarg sector.

Brigadier Kuldeep Singh said that a small troop was sent to site as the strength of the militant were not known.

The soldiers had also asked militant to surrender, but was refused by the militant.

Brigadier Singh said “We believe they are from the Lashkar-e-Toiba”.

Several houses in Ringwari suffered extensive damage after being pounded with mortars.

Army sources said that this was the deadliest encounter of this year.

K P Vinay was to get married on 29 of this month while Major Raghuraman was expecting his first child after few months.

In his hometown Hyderabad, Vinay’s family was busy in preparing for the grand wedding but the news has shocked his entire family members.

It has become difficult to hold them in this bereaved moment.

But still their head are held high of the pride brought by their son.

The two officers were among eleven who died in the gun battle. The separatist militants were holed up in a house; the troops which led the gun battle also recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunitions.

Colonel Harjinder Singh, commanding officer of 34 Rashtriya Rifles said “Both of them were brave chaps”.

“Major Raman’s wife arrived recently from London to deliver the baby, but he didn’t live to see the child. Vinay was getting married in October and was proceeding on leave this week. He even gave me an invitation card and asked me to join the celebrations in Hyderabad.”, said Colonel Singh.

Recently Raghuraman visited Noida as his wife shifted from London to Noida.

He had applied for leave to be with his wife during the birth of his first child.

Both the family will receive the bodies to perform the last ritual. As a custom they will be cremated with full military honours.

They passed the time tested testimonials with patriotism, moral and physical courage, they live up to the tradition of self sacrifice and expectation to keep nations security at the first place.

The nation salutes their unreserved loyalty …