Nalagarh village bids tearful adieu to soldier

Tribune News Service

Solan, March 3

Rajesh Rishi (25) of the 7 JAK regiment, who was buried under an avalanche while patrolling the Namgia Dogri area of Kinnaur on February 20, was cremated with full state honours at his native village Jagatpur at Nalagarh this afternoon.

His body, which was traced yesterday after 11 days, was brought to his native village this morning. His elder brother Ravi Singh lit the pyre as his wife Pinky bade him adieu. Rishi had tied the knot on December 19 last year. He had left for his duty on January 28 and had promised to come back in April.

His father Ranjeet Singh, mother Maya Devi and other family members were inconsolable. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also spoke to the bereaved family over phone and assured them of all possible assistance. A sum of Rs 35,000 was extended to the family by the ADM as an immediate relief. The family demanded a government job for their elder son as Rajesh Rishi was the sole bread-winner of the family. Solan ADM Vivek Chandel, Major Rahul Thakur of the 9 Dogra Regiment, Solan, Nalagarh MLA Lakhwinder Rana, Doon MLA Paramjeet Singh, former MLA KL Thakur, Subedar, 7 JAK Rifles, Deepak Rana, Deputy Director, Sainik Welfare Board, VK Dhawan, SDM, Nalagarh, were among those present on the occasion.