IANS/New Delhi
An army officer killed in a gun battle in Kashmir was given a tearful farewell yesterday.
The top brass of the army paid glowing tributes to Col Munindra Nath Rai who died on January 27.
A guard of honour was accorded to Rai at the crematorium in Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment.
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Vice Chief Lt Gen Philip Campose and other senior officers paid floral tributes to Col Rai who was awarded a Yudh Seva Medal on Republic Day this year, a day before he was killed.
The army chief was seen consoling Rai’s family. He is survived by his wife and three children who were present at the cremation ground.
The army chief on Wednesday lauded the officer, saying he set an example of good leadership.
“He was a very brave officer... It is an example of leadership that the moment he got information about two terrorists in that area, he immediately went in with his team and some other people,” Suhag said.
Col Rai belonged to the 9 Gorkha Rifles, and was seconded to the Rashtriya Rifles. He was commanding his soldiers in the encounter with the militants in Pulwama district of Kashmir when he was killed.
Army officials said Rai was approached by the father and brother of one of the militants with an offer of surrender.
While Rai was hearing them out, the militants burst onto the scene firing indiscriminately.
In the ensuing gun battle two militants of the Hizbul Mujaheedin were also killed.
Police Head Constable Sanjeevan Singh also died in Tuesday’s gunfight.
Meanwhile in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences to Rai’s family.
“A tweet will not wipe away tears. My condolences to family of Colonel Rai. Salutes to all martyrs who laid down their lives for India,” Banerjee said on Twitter.
Army chief General Dalbir Singh and other officers pay homage to Col M N Rai, in New Delhi yesterday.
