The mortal remains of Lance Naik Gopal Singh Bhadoria, who was martyred in a fierce gun-battle with terrorists in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, were brought here today.
Bhadoria was given a guard of honour after his body reached the Ahmedabad airport in an Indian Air Force plane.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family members of the soldier and also decided to build his memorial to make his supreme sacrifice as an inspiration for the people.
Several Army officials and leaders, including Gujarat Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja, were present at the airport to offer their floral respects to Bhadoria's mortal remains which were kept there for a while.
Later, the body was taken to the soldier's residence in Bapunagar area of eastern part of the city.
Bhadoria (33), along with Lance Naik Raghuvir Singh, was killed in a fierce gunfight yesterday in Kulgam district in South Kashmir. Four militants were also killed in the encounter.
On learning about his death, a pal of gloom descended the Hirawadi locality in Bapunagar area here where Bhadoria's family lives. Most shops remained closed as a mark of respect for the brave soldier.
Moved by the martyrdom of Bhadoria, several young children came out on the roads with the tricolour and shouted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.
Bhadoria was awarded a medal for showing immense courage during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, his uncle Umeshsinh Bhadoria said.
"During the face-off with terrorists, Bhadoria, who was part of the NSG commando team, carried an injured soldier on his shoulder and shifted him out of the Taj Hotel amid the heavy gun fire. He was awarded a medal by the Indian Army for saving life of another soldier," Umeshsinh said.
Bhadoria had his primary education at his maternal place Dabhoi in Vadodara district.
His maternal uncle Jayswal Maheshwar said the soldier had to struggle a lot to make it to the Indian Army.
"Since his childhood, Gopal had made up his mind to join the Army. Though the financial condition of his family was not good, he was firm to join the Army and serve the nation. He studied engineering at Nirma University and then joined the Army to fulfil his dream," he said.
Talking to reporters, Jadeja said Bhadoria was truly a brave soldier who died after killing four militants.
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"Bhadoria was a son of the soil and I bow down to the supreme sacrifice he has made for our motherland. He was earlier given a medal by the Army for showing exemplary courage during the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, where he took part in the anti-terror operation," Jadeja said.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also mourned the jawan's death and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to his family, an official press release said.
Rupani also announced an increase in the compensation amount given to the families of Gujarat soldiers who die in the line of duty to Rs 4 lakh from Rs 2.50 lakh earlier.
The families of all Gujarat-based soldiers, including Bhadoria, who died serving the nation during the last six months, would now get Rs 4 lakh each, the release said.
Rupani said the State Government will build a memorial for Bhadoria. "The Government wishes to build a memorial for Bhadoria so that the next generation gets to know about his supreme sacrifice and also inspiration from him. We will consult his family to finalise the location of the memorial."
Bhadoria is the third soldier from Gujarat who has died in line of duty during the last one month.
In January-end, two soldiers -- Sunil Patel of Panchmahals district and Deva Parmar of Bhavnagar district -- died in an avalanche in Machhil sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
