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Srinagar, Nov 3 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and Army Chief General J J Singh today paid glowing tributes to Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra awardee of the Independent India.

They placed floral wreaths at his statue at the Srinagar Airport.

The Governor and the senior officers saluted at the memorial as the ceremonial bugle blared and smartly-attired contingent of the Army also presented salute to the martyr.

Interacting with journalists, Gen Sinha recalled this day about 60 years ago when Major Somnath laid down his life at Budgam and defeated the enemy's design of advancing towards Srinagar in 1947.

He gave a vivid account of 1947 operations in Budgam, saying the martyr was keen to to advance to Baramulla as the first company of Indian Army to take on raiders, who had created havoc in Baramulla by indulging in plunder and mayhem.

The Governor said he wanted to take part in the action after landing at the Srinagar airport despite having a fractured arm.

UNI AG VD RS1720