The mortal remains of Sepoy Ajay Kumar, who was killed during an encounter in a forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, were today cremated.
In the fierce exchange of fire, Kumar and a policeman were killed yesterday.
Kumar, 25, was cremated at a Devthal on the bank of a local Kwal river near his native village Thuran Dhar.
Local MLA from Pacchad Suresh Kashyap, former speaker of HP Vidhan Sabha Gangu Ram Musafir, SDM Rajgarh Naresh Verma and DSP head quarter Babita Rana, Army and police officers were among a large number of officials who bid adieu to the martyr.
Kumar, of 42 Rashtria Rifles, had joined the Indian Army in September 2013.
He is survived by his parents as his younger brother Sanjay Kumar also died a few months earlier after protracted illness.
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His mortal remains were flown to Nahan from Jammu and Kashmir in a helicopter this afternoon. Military officers of First Para, police officers and officers of the civil administration paid floral tributes to him.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur have expressed grief over the death.
The governor said Kumar laid down his life for the cause of the nation and people of the country would always remain indebted to him for this supreme sacrifice.
In his condolence message, the chief minister said that Himachal Pradesh has been a land of brave soldiers and Kumar sacrificed his life for the integrity of the country.
He expressed sympathies with the bereaved family members.