Colonel M N Rai, killed in a gun battle with militants in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, was today cremated with full military honours here as hundreds gathered to bid a tearful homage to him.
Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh placed a wreath on the body of the martyred hero Colonel Munindra Nath Rai, the commanding officer of 42 Rashtriya Rifles.
He was joined by Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Phillip Campose and other senior officers, besides rank and file.
The 39-year-old brave officer was given a befitting gun salute. His pyre was lit by the officer's elder brother Col D N Rai, who is also from the Gorkha Rifles like his sibling.
Members of his regiment and Rashtriya Rifles unit were also present.
Colonel M N Rai lost his life fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral on January 27, just a day after being awarded Yudh Seva Medal.
His wife, two daughters and son were present for the last rites.
One of the daughters broke down as she stood in front of her father's body and shouted an old Gorkha war cry.
Emotions engulfed the crematorium complex in Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment.
The Commanding Officer was hailed by the Army for always leading from the front in operations and reaching out to youths in militancy-hit areas.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, the Army chief had said: "He was a very brave officer and he had been awarded Yudh Seva Medal on January 26. And it is an example of leadership that the moment he got information about two terrorists in that area, he immediately went in".
