Shimla pays respects to its
martyr
SHIMLA:
All shops were closed large crowds
thronged the historic Ridge Maidan here on Wednesday to
pay their last respects to a 20-year-old Yashwant Singh
who laid down his life for the motherland in the Kargil
sector.
His father, Ram Singh, bore it all
stoicly as he saw governor V.S. Rama Devi, former chief
minister Virbhadra Singh, members of the Prem Singh
Dhumal cabinet, officials and Army officials lay wreaths
on the tricolour-bedecked coffin bearing the mortal
remains of Gunner Yashwant Singh of the 15th Field
Regiment.
The young man had joined the Army
only last year and was to yet avail his first annual
leave. Pressed by his father, who retired from the ITBP,
he joined the Army. He died on June 14 in the Kargil
sector shortly after his 20th birthday.
A resident of Kewali village in
Rohru sub-tehsil of Shimla district, his father recalled
that Yashwant had come on joining leave after completing
his training. ``He went on to join the 15th Field
Regiment and was proud that he was being sent to guard
the frontiers on his very first posting,'' his father
told The Times of India News Service.
The mortal remains will be taken to
Rohru on Thursday morning for the last rites which will
be held with full military honours. ``His people back
home, especially his friends, are keenly awaiting his
arrival,'' said Ram Singh trying hard to hold back his
tears.
Ram Singh said having been in the
para-military forces himself, he knew the call of duty.
``I am proud that he gave his life in honour of his
motherland, but my only regret is that he was too young
to die,'' he said in a voice choked with emotion.
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