Proud of our son, say martyr Captain Brijesh Thapa's parents

Kolkata, July 16

Parents of martyred Army Captain Brijesh Thapa on Tuesday said they are proud of their son who was killed while fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

The deceased officer was born on Army Day, which is observed on January 15 in the country.

Colonel Bhuwanesh K Thapa (retd) recalled that his son, a third-generation Army officer in the family, was inspired by him and from his childhood wanted to join the Indian Army.

“I feel proud of my son,” the retired Army officer said.

“This is an Army operation and there is always risk in such ops,” he told PTI over phone from Jing Tea Estate in Darjeeling’s Lebong.

Col Thapa maintained that whatever the risk is, the Army personnel have to work sincerely. “My son has done well in such a risky operation and did it sincerely,” he said.

The martyred officer’s mother Nilima said he was born on Army Day, January 15.

The poignant mother said it was the Indian Army personnel at the country’s boundaries who ensure that the citizens live safely.

Col Thapa said Brijesh was a qualified engineer, but opted to join the Army. “He was 27 years old and joined the Army five years ago,” he said.

He said Brijesh last spoke to the family over the phone on July 14. The retired Army officer said they were informed about their son’s martyrdom by the authorities on Monday night.

The slain officer’s mother said he was from 145 Air Defence Regiment of the Army and was on deputation to the 10 Rashtriya Rifles.

“He came home on leave in March,” she said, adding that Brijesh was a bachelor.

She said Brijesh was the third generation Army officer from the family, with her father-in-law and husband having served in the force. Brijesh, born in Jalandhar, did his schooling in Army School in Mumbai.

His mortal remains are likely to reach Bagdogra airport on Tuesday night.

She said his mortal remains would be taken to their ancestral house in Lebong on Wednesday morning after wreath laying in Bagdogra.